Jaldhaka JP divided over candidature of Ershad's sister

Ten people were injured in the clash.

Tension is still high as the factions may lock horns any moment over the issue, they said. Initiatives by local leaders in the last two days to close their ranks yielded no result so far, they said.

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A party meeting was called on Friday, apparently to form a new upazila committee. But the real motive was to secure support for candidature of former Upazila Chairman Rashidul Alam Chowdhury in the constituency (Jalddhaka and part of Kishoreganj).

Ershad's sister Marina Rahman is also an aspirant there, party sources said.

Jaldhaka Jatiyo Party is divided into two groups, one led by Rashidul Alam Chowdhury and the other by Marina.

A new upazila committee was formed at the meeting called by Rashidul. It was rejected by the faction led Marina.

After the meeting, a procession was brought out in the town. It was led by Rashidul, Abdul Kader Bulu, Dabir Huda and Abdul Gafur, belonging to rashidul's group. It was interrupted by rivals led by Tofael Ahmed Powel, Nural Islam Puti, Azahar and Mizanur belonging to Marina's group.

Police intervened and brought the situation under control. They recovered some lethal weapon from the spot but none was arrested till yesterday.

Local JP leaders belonging to Marina group talking to this correspondent said Rashidul Alam Chowdhury contested from Nilphamari-3 constituency in 1996 and 2001. But he failed though Jaldhaka was a stronghold of the party. Marina could easily bag the seat, they claimed.

Her husband, former Vice-chancellor of Mymensingh Agriculture University Dr Asadur Rahman was elected MP twice from Nilphamari- 4 constituency as a JP candidate, they further said.

On the other hand, Rashidul group claims that Rashidul Alam Chowdhury led the party during bad days. So he deserves party nomination in the next parliament poll.

They also said Marina Rahman is an 'outsider' in the area.