At least five people were injured in a clash between supporters of BNP nomination aspirants Azizul Bari Helal and Parvez Mallik in Khulna-4 constituency on Thursday morning.
The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. at Kazdia Bazar under TSB Union in Rupsha upazila over a Facebook post and campaign activities, police and witnesses said.
Following the clash, the Khulna district BNP formed a two-member probe committee to investigate the incident and submit a report within three days.
Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, though tension remains high across Rupsha upazila. During the clash, supporters of BNP Central Information Secretary Azizul Bari Helal reportedly confined Parvez Mallik, senior joint secretary of UK BNP and former president of Jahangirnagar University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).
The injured were identified as Shanto (37), Shahazada (41), and Mehedi Hasan Bulu (38) from the Parvez Mallik group, and Zahidul Islam Zahid (35) and Imran Sheikh (30) from the Helal group.
Local BNP leader Shahazada Shanto Sheikh claimed the attack was politically motivated, saying, “It was an act of vengeance against those engaged in peaceful political activities. Such attacks are unacceptable.”
He added, “Our local activists were preparing for Parvez bhai’s programme when a group of Helal supporters attacked us. My brother and four others were seriously injured.”
Rupsha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahfuzur Rahman said, “We immediately deployed patrol teams after learning about the attack and dispersed both groups. Additional police have been stationed in the area, and the situation is now under control. Legal action will be taken following an investigation.”
BNP Central Information Secretary Azizul Bari Helal could not be reached for comment as he is currently abroad.
Meanwhile, UK BNP Senior Joint Secretary and former JCD leader Parvez Mallik said, “As part of a pre-scheduled programme, I went to Kazdia Bazar around 11:30 a.m. to distribute leaflets on our 31-point programme. Suddenly, we were attacked, leaving several of our activists injured.”
Khulna District BNP convener Moniruzzaman Montu said both sides were calmed after the incident. “A two-member investigation committee, comprising Sheikh Anisur Rahman and Sultan Mahmud, has been formed to look into the matter. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three working days. Action will be taken against those found responsible,” he said.
He added that Parvez Mallik has safely returned to Terokhada after completing his programme.
