Five injured in Jamaat-JCD clash

At least five people were injured in a clash between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali on Thursday night.

The incident took place at Charwadel Government Primary School in Chandradwip union, a riverine area of the upazila. The injured were admitted to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex.

Those injured include Sujon Khan, 25, a leader of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Bauphal upazila unit; Jamaat activists Rakib Hasan and Abdul Barek Majhi; and two JCD leaders -- Saidul Islam, 23, and Jahirul Islam Sohag, 22.

According to locals, a Jamaat organisational programme was underway inside a classroom of the school when several JCD leaders and activists entered the premises. 

The JCD activists reportedly questioned Jamaat leaders for holding a political programme inside an educational institution without prior permission.

An argument ensued, which later escalated into a scuffle and physical clash between the two sides.

Jamaat leaders alleged that 20-25 JCD activists carried out a premeditated attack on their programme using sticks, leaving at least five of their activists injured.

However, several JCD leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that organising a political programme inside an educational institution without permission violates the election code of conduct. 

They alleged that Jamaat activists suddenly attacked them when questioned, injuring two JCD leaders.

Officer-in-Charge of Bauphal Police Station Atikul Islam said police learned of the incident through various sources, but no written complaint was filed by either side.