SHIBBIR AHMED, NEW YORK: A violent clash erupted between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Jackson Heights, Queens, leaving one senior leader seriously injured and another arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 3 during an event held on 73rd Street, commonly known as "Bangladesh Street," in Jackson Heights.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a heated verbal altercation broke out between members of the two factions over longstanding organizational disputes and leadership rivalry. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight, resulting in a bloody clash.

During the violence, several people at the scene were heard shouting warnings that a weapon or firearm might be present, prompting panic among attendees. Multiple videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media, drawing significant attention and concern within the Bangladeshi-American community.

Mohammad Shihab, Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League, was reportedly assaulted during the clash and sustained serious injuries. Local residents and bystanders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical treatment.

Responding to emergency calls, officers from the NYPD arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control. Based on allegations of assault, police detained and later arrested Zakir Hossain Rahul, also a Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Local party members said the violence stemmed from longstanding internal divisions within the organization, including demands for the resignation of the recently appointed president of the U.S. unit, Mahmud Hasan, and disagreements over the current leadership committee. They alleged that the clash was the result of escalating political rivalry and a struggle for organizational control.

The incident has drawn criticism from many members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, who expressed disappointment over the outbreak of violence involving a prominent student organization on U.S. soil.

Following the incident, the President of the United States Awami League, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, and General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad issued a joint statement urging party leaders and activists to remain calm and exercise restraint.

In the statement, Dr. Rahman said those responsible for the violence would be investigated and that strict organizational action would be taken in accordance with the party's constitution. The leaders also urged supporters to refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation on social media and to rely only on verified information regarding the incident. The NYPD investigation into the incident remains ongoing.