At least 12 people were injured in a clash between activists of BNP and NCP over chanting slogans during the inauguration of a ferry service in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali this afternoon.

“The clash took place between 4:30pm and 5:00pm at Nalchira Ghat," Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Alauddin told The Daily Star this evening.

Witnesses said Shipping Secretary Nurun Nahar Chowdhury inaugurated "Mahananda Ferry Service" on the Nalchira Ghat-Chairman route in the afternoon.

Later, a dispute arose as supporters of NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud, the 11-party alliance’s candidate for Noakhali-6, chanted slogans crediting him for bringing the ferry service. At the time, supporters of BNP candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim started slogans countering the claim.

The situation escalated into arguments, scuffles, and eventually clashes between the two groups, they added.

Zillur Rahman, a resident of Nalchira Ghat, said both sides hurled bricks during the clash, leaving 12 people injured. The injured were given treatment at Hatiya Upazila Health Complex.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud demanded the arrest of those who attacked his supporters as soon as possible.

BNP’s Noakhali-6 candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim told journalists that when BNP leaders and activists went to join the inauguration of the ferry service, NCP’s supporters attacked them. “We strongly condemn this incident and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible,’ he said.”

Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Saiful Alam said police have been deployed at key points to prevent further untoward situations.

“I have heard that 7-8 people were injured, but the exact number has not yet been confirmed. Police are present at the scene,” he said.