Rangpur, Mar 12 (V7N) – At least 10 people were injured, one of them critically, in clashes between activists of Chhatra Shakti and Jubo Shakti during an iftar mahfil organized by the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Rangpur.

The incident took place before and after iftar on Wednesday (March 11) at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Stadium in the city.

Dispute Over Entry Sparks Tension

Eyewitnesses said the tension began before iftar when Alamgir Nayan, senior joint member secretary of the metropolitan NCP, allowed two elderly supporters from Pirgachha to enter the stadium without passes. Activists of Chhatra Shakti allegedly protested the decision and assaulted Nayan at the entrance gate.

When Rasheduzzaman Rashed, district organizer of Jubo Shakti, intervened in protest, he was also reportedly beaten by Chhatra Shakti activists. Although the situation initially calmed down after a brief scuffle, tensions remained.

Clash Erupts After Iftar

After the iftar, when Jubo Shakti leaders and activists were leaving the venue, another argument broke out at the gate, which quickly escalated into a clash and chase–counter-chase between the two groups.

At least 10 people were injured, including Jubo Shakti organizers Rashed, Siam Fakir, Akash Islam, Muhith Hasan Meem and Simanta. Furniture, including tables and chairs, was also vandalized during the incident.

Police later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. The injured were first taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, and later to Rangpur Community Medical College Hospital and Prime Medical College Hospital for treatment. Rashed was admitted to the NICU of Rangpur Community Medical College Hospital in critical condition.

Party Leaders Seek Resolution

After the incident, senior NCP leaders held a meeting at the circuit house to discuss the situation.

Alamgir Nayan said the entry of the two elderly individuals was allowed based on an internal understanding to accommodate senior supporters, but the issue escalated due to protests from student wing activists. He described the incident as “very unfortunate” and said efforts were underway to resolve the matter quickly.

Meanwhile, Imtiaz Ahmed Imti, convener of the Rangpur Metropolitan unit of Chhatra Shakti, said the clash occurred due to a misunderstanding among party activists and claimed the tension had now subsided.

Police Statement

Nazir Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner of the Kotwali Zone of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police, said the incident occurred when some individuals attempted to enter the venue without invitation letters. He added that police and party leaders later worked together to calm the situation.

Journalists Leave Without Iftar

At the end of the program, an embarrassing situation arose when journalists present at the event were not provided with iftar. Around 100 media personnel reportedly left the stadium without breaking their fast due to the lack of arrangements.

Later, the journalists arranged iftar on their own at Rangpur Cricket Garden about half an hour later.

Liaqat Ali Badal, convener of the Rangpur Sammilit Jangid Samaj, termed the incident embarrassing, saying that if organizers had informed journalists in advance about the lack of arrangements, the situation could have been avoided. He added that it remains to be seen what action the NCP leadership will take regarding the matter.

END/SMA/AJ