A violent clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists over the control of a betel leaf market in Palashbari, Gaibandha. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM on Thursday at the Chhot Shimultala betel leaf market area of Palashbari Municipality. The clash led to tension and panic among betel sellers, buyers, and local residents.
Witnesses reported that members of both parties gathered around the market from early morning. The situation escalated when one group attacked the market, leading to reciprocal violence and brick throwing. Later, several cocktail explosions occurred, causing the entire area to become tense. The Palashbari-Ghoraghat road was blocked for at least 30 minutes. The situation calmed down after both parties left the scene, and traffic resumed normally. No injuries were reported. Multiple videos of the incident have been circulated on Facebook.
Sakhawat Hossain, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Palashbari Upazila, claimed he had no knowledge of the incident when contacted by phone. Khairul Islam, President of Jamaat's allied organization Shramik Kalyan Federation Palashbari Upazila branch, accused BNP activists of initiating the attack and causing the cocktail explosions. Abdus Samad Mandal, President of BNP Palashbari Upazila, denied any involvement of BNP activists, stating the incident occurred among betel businessmen.
Palashbari Thana's Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sarwar Alam Khan confirmed a clash between BNP and Jamaat over the betel leaf market. He mentioned that the nature of the explosions is yet to be determined and no complaints have been filed at the police station. The situation remains normal, though both parties have been summoned to the police station around 5 PM.
