Leaders and activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami chased and scuffled with each other over the leasing of cattle markets in Purbadhala, Netrokona.

The incident began at about 12.30pm on Wednesday 20 May in the conference room of the Purbadhala Upazila Parishad. The administration later stopped the leasing process.

According to eyewitnesses and the upazila administration, on Tuesday 19 May the administration advertised leases for temporary cattle markets at 53 places in 11 unions. At about noon on Wednesday the open auction began in the conference room in the presence of acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tasnim Jahan, with BNP and Jamaat leaders, activists and supporters present. At one point the two sides began arguing, which led to chases and scuffles, and the upazila administration suspended the leasing.

Tasnim Jahan, the assistant commissioner (land) holding the UNO's charge, did not answer the phone when asked about the incident.

Superintendent of Police Md Tarikul Islam said: "The situation is now normal. Legal action will be taken on the basis of complaints over the incident."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.