Bloodful clash between BNP and Jamaat in Kushtia, 11 injured

The century-old traditional Gazikalu-Champabati fair at Hogla Chapaigachi Bazaar in Jagannathpur Union of Kumarkhali in Kushtia turned into a battlefield on Tuesday evening. At least 11 people were injured in a fierce clash between BNP and Jamaat-backed leaders and activists over the fair. Many ordinary businessmen, who had set up shops here from far and wide in the pursuit of livelihood, were subjected to vandalism and looting.

Just before evening, chases and counter-chase, brickbats were thrown at the market. Some say that BNP supporters wanted to set up the fair without the administration's permission. On the other hand, Jamaat leaders say that they went to protest peacefully against obscenity and gambling at the fair. But that 'protest' ultimately turned into a bloody clash.

Among the injured are teachers, the elderly, businessmen, and activists and supporters of both sides. Among the injured Jamaat members were Jagannathpur Ulama Parishad General Secretary Habibur Rahman and six others, including 70-year-old Quddus Pramanik. They are undergoing treatment at the Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex. Five others, including Khoksha Government College lecturer Sarafat Sultan and teacher Tipu Sultan, were injured on the BNP side. They have been admitted to Kushtia Sadar Hospital.

According to the shopkeepers, they have never seen such a horrific scene before. Arj Ali, who came from Chatmohar in Pabna, said in a tearful voice, “A little before dusk, hundreds of people wearing caps came to the shop and started vandalizing it with ramadas and sticks. I ran away to save my life. Later, when I came back, I found that goods worth 1.5 lakh taka were missing. It’s all over.”

Nader Sheikh, an banana trader in the market, was also in a similar state of panic. He said, “The fair has been going on here for a hundred years. Today is the first time I have seen two groups fighting. They came with weapons. I saw the vandalism before my eyes.”

Meanwhile, Jamaat leaders claim that they only went to demand an end to the obscenity of the fair. On the contrary, they were attacked. The BNP is claiming that Jamaat supporters carried out a planned attack and looted shops. Both sides have announced that they will file a case with the police station.

Kumarkhali Police Station OC Md. Solaiman Sheikh said, “There was no permission for the fair this year. Several people were injured in the clash between the two sides. The situation is now calm. Action will be taken if complaints are received.”

Ordinary people in the area say that they do not want this violence in the name of politics. Everyone had hoped to hold the festival peacefully, keeping in mind the century-old tradition. But today, that fair of hope has been covered in blood and terror.