At least 15 people were injured in a factional clash between two groups of the ruling Awami League (AL) in Buaphal upazila of Patuakhalli district yesterday.

The clash erupted when Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was inaugurating a newly constructed Bauphal police station building as the chief guest.

According to sources, during the programme two groups supporting Chief Whip ASM Feroz and Bauphal Municipality Mayor Ziaul Haque Jewel engaged in a clash leaving 15 people injured.

Among others, Chief Whip ASM Feroz, MP, director general (DG) of BGB Major General Abul Hossain, deputy inspector general (DIG) of Barisal range police Shafiqul Islam, deputy commissioner Dr Masumur Rahman, Baufal Upazila Chairman Mojibur Rahman and Baufal municipality mayor Ziaul Haque Jewel, were present there. Police super of Patuakhali Mainul Hasan presided over the function.

The four-storey Bauphal Thana building was constructed at a cost of Tk 6.45 crore under the supervision of the Public Works Department.