Sohaibul Islam Sohag, Cumilla

Over a hundred leaders and activists were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during a reception program for local Member of Parliament Principal Selim Bhuiyan in Cumilla's Titas upazila on Thursday.

The MP himself sustained minor injuries when attackers wielding locally made weapons charged toward the stage right in front of him, according to local sources.

The incident took place at the Gopalpur High School ground in Ziarkandi union, where the union unit of BNP had organized a reception for the lawmaker.

Witnesses said the altercation began shortly after Selim Bhuiyan arrived at the venue and took his seat on the stage after being greeted with bouquets. A commotion initially broke out over bringing out a procession between the supporters of Ziarkandi union BNP Office Secretary Jamal and Vice-President Emdad.

As tensions escalated, activists armed with local weapons launched an attack in front of the stage. Principal Selim Bhuiyan suffered minor injuries in the chaos before leaving the venue safely. Following his departure, the clash spread between the two rival groups, leaving more than 100 party men injured.

Contacted, Cumilla (North) District BNP Senior Joint Convener Abul Hashem said he had heard reports of numerous injuries. "We need to investigate why such an incident occurred in front of the MP and how he came to be injured. Necessary organizational action will be taken against those involved," he said.

Titas Police Station OC Mamirul Haque said multiple police teams have been deployed at the scene to bring the situation under control and maintain law and order.

MP Principal Selim Bhuiyan was not available over the phone for his comments.