Clash erupts between Ishraque’s factions at Dhaka South City Corporation

A violent clash broke out between two factions of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Union backed by BNP leader Ishraque Hossain at the Nagar Bhaban of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) around noon on Tuesday, leaving several injured and a journalist threatened with death.

The conflict arose when Arifuzzaman Prince, General Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Union, entered Nagar Bhaban with his supporters, clashing with followers of Arif Chowdhury, the president of another faction. 

Eyewitnesses reported injuries on both sides, though specific names were not available.

Around 1:30 pm, a mob attacked Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam, a computer operator at DSCC, suspecting him of supporting Arifuzzaman. 

Ishraque’s supporters, gathered from various parts of Dhaka, also beat another individual on similar suspicions. 

Police intervened, rescuing both victims and taking them to the station after Ishraque’s followers initially resisted handing them over.

Arifuzzaman Prince told the Daily Samakal that despite Ishraque Hossain’s announcement of service launches at Nagar Bhaban, outsiders have been threatening employees daily and blocking access. 

He claimed his group was attacked upon entering the building. 

Conversely, Arif Chowdhury stated his group was peacefully occupying Nagar Bhaban when they were attacked by outsiders, resulting in eight serious injuries.

During the chaos, Ishraque supporters targeted journalists covering the incident. Mohammad Asaduzzaman Shishir, a Nagorik Television reporter, had his phone seized, with all photos and videos deleted, and he was threatened with a knife. NTV reporter Nazibur Rahman also reported threats against him and his cameraman for recording the clash.