Formation of a new Rajshahi city BNP committee triggered clashes between the supporters of two factions of the ruling party here yesterday evening, leaving about 20 people injured.

Programmes to celebrate three years of four-party alliance government were foiled and tension ran high as a district BNP leader fired three bullets from his licensed revolver during the clash.

Former lawmaker and district BNP President Azizur Rahman and Jubo Dal leader Ashik Mahmud were injured. The warring groups used sharp and lethal weapons.

The workers also tore dresses of senior leaders it the melee.

At a meeting in Dhaka on Thursday night, the BNP dissolved the Rajshahi city committee and announced the names of Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu and Nadim Mustafa MP as president and general secretary of the new committee.