Leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami clashed over front-row seating during an Independence Day programme in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali.
The incident took place around 10:00am at the municipal public ground, where the event was organised by the upazila administration.
Witnesses said Jamaat leaders occupied part of the reserved front row before the programme began. Later, former BNP MP Shahidul Alam Talukder arrived with supporters and took seats on the other side, leading to tension as many BNP activists could not find space due to limited seating.
The situation escalated when an argument over a chair between members of the two groups turned into a scuffle. Officials and police initially intervened and brought the situation under control.
However, a second round of clashes broke out shortly afterwards following another dispute between the groups.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Saleh Ahmed, along with police, later restored order, allowing the programme to continue without further disruption.
Both sides blamed each other for the incident. BNP leaders alleged that Jamaat activists occupied all front-row seats and attacked their members, while Jamaat leaders claimed they were assaulted first.
Police said the clash stemmed from a misunderstanding over seating arrangements, adding that no formal complaint had been filed.
Officials described the incident as unfortunate, particularly as it occurred during a national programme, and said better coordination could have prevented it.
Earlier in the day, tensions were also reported at a separate event in Patuakhali following remarks by a religious leader, though the situation was later brought under control.
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