2 killed in Narsingdi AL factional clash

Two people were killed and ten others injured in a clash between two factions of the Awami League (AL) over supremacy in the Metikanda area of Raipura upazila, Narsingdi, on Saturday morning.

The deceased were identified as Manik Mia, the son of Samsu Mia from Metikanda, and Kalpana Begum, both supporters of Juba League leader Abid Hasan Rubel.

According to the police, a longstanding conflict had been brewing over control of the area between Abid Hasan Rubel, a former supporter of former Minister of Post and Telecommunications Razi Uddin Ahmed Raju, and his rival, Based Member. This dispute intensified during the last Upazila Parishad elections, leading to multiple incidents of gunfire and clashes, which resulted in both deaths and injuries.

In the most recent Upazila election, Rubel and his supporters beat vice chairman candidate Suman Mia to death. Afterward, Rubel went into hiding but recently returned on bail, attempting to regain control of the area. This led to further tensions with the Bassed Member group, who opposed Rubel’s return.

On Saturday morning, the two factions clashed with firearms and homemade weapons. During the confrontation, Rubel's supporters, Manik Mia and Kalpana Begum, were shot dead. Upon receiving the news, army and police personnel from Raipura police station were dispatched to the scene to control the situation.

Narsingdi Superintendent of Police Abdul Hannan confirmed that the clashes were related to a struggle for dominance between the two factions, which resulted in two fatalities. Currently, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and army personnel are stationed in the area.