BNP, Jamaat activists clash over TCB cards, trade gunshots

Eight people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat activists over the distribution of TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) cards in Ishwardi of Pabna. 

The incident, which included gunfire, sparked panic in the Lakshmikunda Union on Wednesday (October 9).

The injured include Laxmikunda Union BNP convener Biru Molla, BNP activists Milan Biswas, Rajib Molla, Rabbi Molla, and Jamaat activists Hasan, Md Tofail, Md Ekram, and Feroz Fakir.

According to local sources, BNP and Jamaat leaders had previously agreed to distribute TCB cards across the nine wards of Laxmikunda Union. 

However, tensions rose during a discussion at the union council between BNP leader Biru Molla and Jamaat leader Akram Ali. 

Despite the union council secretary, Mizanur Rahman, mediating the dispute, a clash broke out later when BNP supporters marched towards Akram Ali's house and were confronted by Jamaat activists, leading to gunfire. 

No injuries were reported from the shooting, but both parties are blaming each other for the violence.

BNP's Biru Molla accused Jamaat of initiating the attack, saying, "Akram Hossain used to be involved with the Awami League and has now joined Jamaat, engaging in terrorist activities. Several of our leaders were injured in their attack."

Jamaat leader Akram Hossain, on the other hand, claimed, "I have been with Jamaat since 2018, but the local BNP falsely calls me an Awami League leader. We had already discussed the TCB card distribution, but on Wednesday, BNP leaders refused to allocate any cards based on Jamaat's recommendations and later attacked us with weapons. Four of our activists were injured."

Mizanur Rahman, the union council secretary, confirmed that while he had initially resolved the argument between the two groups, the clash erupted after they left the council office.

Officer-in-Charge of Ishwardi Police Station Shahidul Islam said the police responded promptly and brought the situation under control. However, neither side has filed a formal complaint.