At least 20 people were injured in a clash between supporters of two potential union parishad (UP) chairman candidates during a reception ceremony for a member of parliament in Titas, Cumilla. The lawmaker, Selim Bhuiyan, who represents the Cumilla-2 (Homna-Titas) constituency, had to leave the stage and take shelter in a nearby school as the violence broke out.

The incident occurred around 4:00 pm on Thursday at the playground of Dr. Khondkar Mosharraf Hossain High School in Gopalpur village under Jiarkandi Union in Titas upazila. Following the incident, Titas upazila BNP joint secretary Emdad Hossain Akhand was expelled from the party on Thursday night.

Background of the Clash

According to local sources and organisers, the reception was arranged by Jamal Uddin Prodhan, treasurer of Titas upazila BNP and a potential chairman candidate for Jiarkandi UP, ahead of the upcoming union parishad elections. A verbal altercation between supporters of two potential candidates escalated into a physical clash.

MP Takes Shelter

As the clash intensified, MP Selim Bhuiyan quickly left the stage and took shelter inside the adjacent school building. Local residents stepped in to ensure his safety. No physical harm to the MP was reported.

Party Action

Following the incident, Titas upazila BNP joint secretary Emdad Hossain Akhand was expelled from the party. The decision was made on charges of violating party discipline, although no detailed explanation was provided.

Casualties and Next Steps

At least 20 people were injured in the clash. The injured received primary medical treatment locally. It was not immediately known whether any case was filed with the police station regarding the incident. Local sources said the situation in the area is now under control.