Shahadat Babu, Noakhali correspondent
A clash broke out between two BNP groups to take control of the launch pier in Hatiya, Dwip Upazila of Noakhali. At least 10 people from both sides were seriously injured. The injured have been admitted to the Upazila Health Complex.
The clash took place at Tamaraddi launch dock on Thursday morning (February 27). After the incident, police, navy and coast guard quickly reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
The injured were Laila Begum, Kamrul Islam, Aklima Begum, Nafisa Begum and about ten others were admitted to the hospital. Among them, Laila Begum, who was in critical condition, was sent to the district headquarters for treatment by the doctor in charge of the emergency department.
It is known that the lessee of Tamruddi Launch Ghat was Golam Maula Kajal. After August 5, upazila BNP leader Alamgir took over all the activities of Tamruddi Ghat under his leadership. Later, BNP leader Alamgir reached an agreement with the lessee and Awami League leader Golam Maula Kajal. Since then, Alamgir has been controlling the responsibilities of the Ghat alone. But Tamruddi Union BNP President Tanvir Haider could not accept the matter. He has been trying to take over the Ghat for a long time.
Meanwhile, around 8 am on Thursday, Tanvir's followers went to the ghat with a force to take control of the ghat. At that time, when Tanvir's people were chased by Alamgir's people, a massive clash broke out between the two groups. When all the men and women of the families of the workers living near the ghat came forward, the women also got involved in the clash. Upon receiving the news, the police, navy and Tamaraddi Coast Guard from the upazila headquarters went to the launch ghat and brought the situation under control.
BNP leader Alamgir said on this issue, "I have no involvement with the ghat. However, he said that the lessee, Golam Maula Kajal, takes 42 percent of the daily income from the ghat."
When contacted, the opponent Tanvir Haider cut off the phone line without speaking. However, he had previously told some media outlets that Alamgir was expelled from BNP for various misdeeds. He has been occupying the ghat for a long time by negotiating with the Awami League leader. When asked about the occupation of the ghat, he skillfully avoided the issue.
Hatia Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Khorshed Alam said, "There was a clash between two groups at Tamaraddi Ghat. I heard that two people were injured in the clash. Police, Coast Guard and Navy rushed to control the situation. The situation is currently calm."
