Violent Clash in Bangladesh’s Cumilla Leaves 35 Injured, Including Journalists

July 31, 2025

Dhaka: At least 35 individuals, including five journalists, were injured during a fierce confrontation between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Cumilla, according to local media reports. The violent incident occurred on Wednesday evening amidst a protest rally organized by the NCP.

The rally, held under the banner of ‘People from all walks of life of Muradnagar Upazila,’ was aimed at protesting against what the supporters alleged as propaganda and conspiracy targeting the local government adviser, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain. Tensions escalated when supporters of NCP and BNP started chasing each other, throwing bricks and stones, spreading chaos in the area.

Eyewitnesses quoted by the prominent Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo narrated that during the rally, as Asif’s followers chanted slogans such as “Direct action against extortionists,” “Catch extortionists, throw them in jail,” and “Muradnagar’s soil, Asif’s base,” stones and bricks were suddenly hurled at them from the opposing side. This led to both groups retaliating with brickbats, resulting in injuries among five journalists present at the scene.

As the violence intensified, panic took hold, with local businesspeople shutting down shops and fleeing the area in different directions. Supporters of Asif Mahmud alleged that the attack was planned and carried out by followers of former MP and BNP Vice Chairman Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad.

Minazul Haque, convenor of Nagorik Samaj and a rally participant, claimed, “BNP men deliberately attacked us. They started throwing bricks and chasing us immediately after we began the procession. Around 50 of our supporters were injured.” Shekhar, a member of Muradnagar Sadar union parishad, added, “I was assaulted with bricks during the rally and sustained a head injury.”

On the other hand, BNP’s Muradnagar unit convener Mahiuddin Anjan denied these allegations, asserting, “Our protest was against false cases filed by Asif Mahmud. It was his supporters who initiated the violence under police protection.”

Earlier on Tuesday, BNP supporters had also organized a rally in Muradnagar demanding the resignation of Advisor Asif. The ongoing clashes indicate a deteriorating political environment, reflecting the fracturing of alliances. Once united in their opposition to the ruling Awami League and the government of Sheikh Hasina, these parties seem to be turning against each other, hinting at a decline in their previous political unity.