Staff Correspondent

Two factions of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain’s supporters locked in clashes at the Nagar Bhaban of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Tuesday, leaving eig people injured.

The incident occurred around noon. Following the clash, both groups reportedly left the Nagar Bhaban premises,  witnesses said.

 The injured have been identified as Monir Hossain (45), Mohidul Islam (35), Jasim (32), Jewel (40), Kaiyum (40), Jony (36), Didar (42), and Russel (42)- all members of the DSCC workers' union. They have been undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

Witnesses said that Arif Chowdhury and his followers from the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal DSCC unit had locked the Nagar Bhaban for 39 days demanding Ishraq Hossain’s oath-taking as mayor. Facing criticism, Ishraq instructed them to unlock the building, which they did on Monday. However, they kept the rooms of the administrator and engineering department locked and patrolled the building throughout the day to prevent officials from entering.

On Tuesday morning, Arif Chowdhury’s group took position at Nagar Bhaban again, chanting slogans demanding Ishraq’s oath and the resignation of Local Government Affairs Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan.

At that point, supporters of Arifuzzaman Prince, leader of the rival faction within the labour wing, confronted them, leading to a physical altercation. Arif  and some alleged outsiders supporting Ishraq fled the scene.

DSCC labour leaders said that both factions were previously aligned with Ishraq, but differences emerged over the oath-taking issue. Arifuzzaman Prince opposed the prolonged closure of Nagar Bhaban, citing public suffering.

Sources said both factions have separate committees. Arifuzzaman Prince’s committee is officially registered, and he currently serves as the general secretary.

The law and order situation at Nagar Bhaban is now reported to be under control.