A housewife was killed and 10 others were injured in a factional clash of the BNP in Sujanagar upazila of Pabna on Monday morning.

The clash occurred around 8am at Bhitbila Pashchimpara under Manikhat union.

The deceased was China Khatun, 40, wife of Shukur Ali, a resident of the area.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sujanagar circle) Sadik Ahmed confirmed the news of casualties.

Police and locals said supporters of Rafiul Islam Raja, former president of Hatkhali union unit Chhatra Dal, and Islam Pramanik, a BNP activist of Bhitbila village, were at loggerheads over establishing supremacy in the locality.

A clash broke out between the groups on Sunday night, sparking tension.

The groups again engaged in a clash on Monday morning, when China Khatun sustained bullet wounds and died on the spot.

Besides, at least 10 people were seriously injured. They were admitted to Sujanagar Upazila Health Complex and Pabna General Hospital.

Regarding the incident, Islam Pramanik said that his nephew Farhad, an Awami League supporter, was assaulted by the supporters of Rafiul Islam Raja at Bhitbila Bazar on Sunday night.

“I went there immediately after hearing the news, and requested them not to engage in violence. But instead, they assaulted me as well. Later, people from my village gathered and decided to resolve the matter through discussion with the elders,” he said.

“On Monday morning, supporters of Raja attacked and opened fire on the residents of our village, leaving China Khatun dead on the spot and at least 10 others injured,” Pramanik added.

Denying the allegations, Raja said he did not know about the incident. “I was not present at the scene… Linking my name to this incident is part of a conspiracy.”

Habibur Rahman, former member of Ward-9, said that both groups are BNP supporters.

“I heard that a scuffle took place between the residents of Bhitbila Pashchimpara and Purbopara on Sunday night.”

Following the incident, supporters of Islam Pramanik announced that they would not allow the supporters (Purbopara residents) of Rafiul Islam Raja to enter the Bhitbila Pashchimpara Bazar, he said.

This morning, they took up positions with sticks in the area and turned back the Purbopara residents who were heading to the market.

Later, the Purbopara residents gathered with firearms and attacked the Pashchimpara residents, triggering a clash, Habibur said.

ASP Sadik Ahmed said that being informed, police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.

The body will be sent to Pabna General Hospital morgue for an autopsy, he added.

FP/A