Mymensingh: At least 10 people were injured in a clash between the supporter groups of two BNP leaders in Mymensingh-10 (Gafargaon) constituency on Wednesday evening. The confrontation erupted in front of Islamia School in Gafargaon following the allocation of election symbols for the constituency. Supporters of Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu, who secured the BNP candidacy, and rebel candidate AB Siddiqur Rahman, came face-to-face during rival processions, leading to violent clashes, gunfire, and reports of fires at multiple locations.

According to United News of Bangladesh, police and army personnel intervened to restore order through baton charges, but the atmosphere remained tense, with shops staying closed. Mymensingh Additional Superintendent of Police (Finance and Administration) Md. Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the incident, stating that the situation is now under control and legal action will be taken against those involved following an investigation.

Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu has accused the rebel BNP faction of attacking his supporters and called for arrests, whereas AB Siddiqur Rahman refuted these allegations, asserting that his 10,000 supporters held a peaceful procession and did not engage in any attacks. BNP activists have further accused Siddiqur Rahman, the joint convenor of Mymensingh South District BNP, of having business connections with fugitive PM Sheikh Hasina’s adviser and Beximco vice chairman Salman F Rahman. They allege that Siddiqur Rahman is implicated in a Tk 136.68 crore embezzlement case with the ACC and is plotting against the party after being denied the nomination.

In response to the allegations regarding the embezzlement case, Siddiqur Rahman remarked, “There may be a case, but it is not an important matter.”