Two rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Raozan, Chattogram, have filed counter lawsuits against each other following a violent altercation. This was confirmed on Monday by newly appointed Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury and Second Officer Md. Alamgir of the Raozan Police Station.

On Sunday night, two separate lawsuits were filed by supporters of BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and North District BNP Convener Golam Akbar Khondker and Central BNP Vice-Chairman Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury.

One of the lawsuits was filed by Chhatra Dal leader Md. Rizwan Hossain, a supporter of Golam Akbar Khondker. The other lawsuit was filed by Jubo Dal leader Saifuddin Ribbon, a follower of Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury. In the case filed by the Khondker faction, 31 individuals were named, with an additional 39-40 unidentified persons listed as accused. The primary accused include North District Jubo Dal Senior Joint Convener Saber Sultan Kajal and another individual, Md. Rewaz.

According to the complaint lodged by the Khondker faction, the altercation took place on Friday afternoon during a protest rally organized by the Upazila and Municipal BNP branches. The rally was part of their campaign to demand permission for a Victory Fair celebration. Allegedly, individuals named in the rival faction’s case launched a premeditated attack during the rally, injuring 8-10 people.

In the case filed by supporters of Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury, the primary accused is North District Jubo Dal President Hasan Md. Jasim, along with 35 others, including Municipal BNP leader Abu Mohammad. Additional unidentified individuals were also named in this lawsuit.

Saifuddin Ribbon, representing the Chowdhury faction, alleged that their political rivals orchestrated the violence to create unrest in Raozan and attacked their leaders and activists, leaving several injured.

Meanwhile, Hasan Md. Jasim, the primary accused in the case filed by the Chowdhury faction, lamented the continuous challenges faced by his group. He stated, “We have endured persecution during 17 years of Awami League rule and continue to face it now. The central BNP-approved committee, led by North District BNP President Golam Akbar Khondker, has faced unjustified attacks and obstruction in its organizational activities, which are both unsanctioned and undemocratic.”

Saber Sultan Kajal, the main accused in the case filed by the Khondker faction, defended his position, claiming that the accusations were politically motivated. “This case is a tactic to undermine our organization and create an opening for Awami League’s resurgence in Raozan. Those filing the case lack any real political influence here. We remain united under the leadership of central BNP leader Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury,” he said.

OC AKM Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury stated that both cases had been officially recorded on Sunday night, with investigations underway. “Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” he assured.

The clash between the two groups reportedly occurred on Friday, December 6, during separate rallies and processions held in different parts of Raozan by the opposing factions. The situation escalated into physical altercations, with both sides claiming that at least 11 individuals were injured.

The tension between the two factions has left Raozan in a state of unease as both sides continue to accuse each other of political maneuvering and violence. Police and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further clashes.