At least 18 people were injured in a clash between the activists of Awami League and BNP in Kabakhali area under Dighinala upazila on Wednesday night.

Locals said Aslam Uddin, organising secretary of Kabakhali unit of AL, beat-up Abdul Aziz, president of Kabakhali ward unit of Juba Dal, at Kabakhali Bazar on Wednesday evening as a sequel to previous enmity.

Hearing the news, local leaders and activists of BNP equipped with lethal weap-

ons attacked the ruling party men, prompting them to retaliate.

Chase and counter chase also took place during the clash that left at least 18 people from both sides injured. Rawshan Ali Bhuyan, organising secretary of AL Dighinala upazila unit, and Abdul Alim, president of Kabakhali union unit of Jubo League, are among the injured.

The injured were admitted to Khagrachhari Adhunik Sadar Hospital.

Police arrested BNP activists Azizul Haque, Jasim Uddin, Suman Mia

and Dewan Ali from different areas of the upazila yesterday for their alleged involvement in the clash.

Mohammad Delwar Hossaion, organising secretary of AL upazila unit, said BNP men attacked on his party men at the bazaar without provocation.

Refuting the allegation, upazila BNP President Moslem Uddin said the ruling party men swooped on the BNP men when they were going to submit a complaint to local security personal against Aslam Uddin for beating up Jubo Dal leader Aziz.