Youth Dal Factional Clash in Chattogram Leaves Chhatra Dal Activist Dead

A violent gunfight broke out late at night between two rival groups of the Jubo Dal (youth wing of the BNP) in Chattogram, resulting in the death of a Chhatra Dal (student wing) activist named Md. Sajjad (22) and leaving at least 15 others injured.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. Monday night in the Bogar Bilmukh area of Bakolia Access Road, according to police and party sources. The clash reportedly began over the tearing down of political banners.

Sajjad was known to be a follower of Emdadul Haque Badsha, the expelled former organizational secretary of the now-defunct city unit of Jubo Dal.

Party insiders said the confrontation broke out between supporters of Emdadul Haque Badsha and those of Gazi Siraj Ullah, former president of the Chattogram city unit of Chhatra Dal. One of Siraj’s followers, Borhan Uddin, a former hospitality affairs secretary of the city unit, was named among those involved. Though Borhan now claims to be active with Jubo Dal, the organization currently has no official committee.

When contacted, Bakolia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ikhtiar Uddin confirmed the shooting, saying it stemmed from a dispute over torn banners. “One person was killed, and several others were injured. We are conducting raids to arrest those involved,” he said.

According to party sources, the trouble began when Jubo Dal activist Md. Jasim, a supporter of Emdadul, was allegedly abducted by Borhan Uddin and Nazrul Islam Sohel, both linked to Siraj’s group.

Jasim later told reporters that Chattogram City Mayor and former BNP city president Shahadat Hossain had instructed that banners portraying “criminals and extortionists” using his image be removed. While removing these banners from several areas, Jasim came across banners featuring both Shahadat and Siraj alongside Borhan’s name. This angered Borhan’s group, who later abducted and assaulted him.

Upon learning of Jasim’s abduction, Emdadul’s supporters went to rescue him, sparking a gunfight near Bakolia Access Road. Sajjad was shot in the chest and later declared dead at the hospital.

Emdadul Haque Badsha told reporters that the violence erupted when Borhan’s men opened fire as they tried to free Jasim. “The banners were removed on the mayor’s instruction, but Borhan’s group reacted violently,” he said.

However, Gazi Siraj Ullah denied any involvement, saying Borhan and Sohel were no longer part of his group. “I’ve cut ties with them long ago. They’re involved in wrongdoing, and I have nothing to do with this,” he stated.

At the hospital, Sajjad’s mother, Farida Begum, broke down in tears, saying, “Why did they shoot my son? I want justice for his death.” His brother, Mohammad Imran, demanded the death penalty for those responsible for Sajjad’s killing.