OUR CORRESPONDENT, Narsingdi

At least 10 people were injured as two BNP factions clashed again over collecting extra fares at a ferry ghat in Narsingdi yesterday.

Police and locals said the third round of clashes erupted in the ferry terminal area in Jirtarampur of Madhabdi upazila after announcements were made over loudspeakers.

The violence broke out between groups led by Shahid Mia, joint convener of the Char Dighaldi union BNP and member of ward-9, and Chan Mia, general secretary of ward-8 Jubo Dal.

On November 3 and 4, the two groups clashed, injuring 10 people. Following those incidents, police had been deployed in the area, said Madhabdi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Nazrul Islam.

“Taking advantage of the absence of police early Saturday morning, tension flared up again… The situation was later brought under control,” the OC said.

Locals said the long-standing dispute centred on dominance and the collection of excessive ferry fares from passengers.

Yesterday, both groups used spears and locally made weapons. Several of the injured were treated at Narsingdi Sadar Hospital, while others reportedly received treatment in secret to avoid arrest.

Contacted, Chan Mia alleged, “Four of our men were injured, and at least 20 houses were vandalised and looted. Supporters of BNP leader Shahid Mia and Awami League activists jointly attacked my home. I’ve filed a written complaint with the police. The attack happened because I protested against collecting Tk 20 instead of Tk 6 as ferry fare.”

However, Shahid Mia claimed, “Members of Chan Mia’s group launched a sudden attack on us, injuring six to seven of our men.”

Contacted, Abu Saleh Chowdhury, president of Narsingdi Sadar upazila BNP, said, “I wasn’t informed of any clash today, but we will look into it and take organisational action if anyone is found involved.”

Md Menhazul Alam, superintendent of police in Narsingdi, said, “The clash took place over ferry lease collections between Chan Mia and Shahid groups. The lease has now been cancelled, and the situation is under control.”

The ferry authority could not be reached for comment.