Sylhet: Police arrested four activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in connection with a clash between its two groups, over taking seats at a reception for Finance Minister Abul Mal Abdul Muhit, in Rikabibazar area of Sylhet on Saturday.

The arrestees are Himel Das, Shourav Tarafdar, Rahi Chowdhury and Mohammad Ali Riyad, activists of the Kashmir Group, reported UNB.

Sylhet district and city Awami League units arranged the reception for the finance minister for his receiving ‘Independence Award’ at Kazi Nazrul Auditorium in the city on Saturday afternoon, said Fayaz Uddin Foyez, sub-inspector of Kotwali Police Station.

The two BCL groups—‘Darshandeuri Group’ and ‘Kashmir group’—locked into an altercation over taking seats at the programme.

Earlier, police recovered 23 meat cleavers and seven iron rods from a CNG-run auto-rickshaw beside the auditorium at about 3:30pm.

After the programme, the two groups locked into a fierce clash.

A chase and counter-chase also took place in the area.

Later police arrested four activists of the Kashmir Group along with meat cleavers from the spot.

Sujel Talukder, an activist of the Telihaor Group, was also stabbed in the clash.

The injured were admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.