Dhaka, May 23 -- The "Gazi Kalu-Champabati Mela", a 150-year-old rural fair in Kushtia's Kumarkhali Upazila, has been shut down in the wake of violent clashes and vandalism.

The clashes, reportedly involving supporters of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islam, left at least 11 people from both sides, police said.

The BNP blamed Jamaat for the violence, but Jamaat denied the accusations.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening at Hogla Chapai Gachhi market in Jagannathpur Union.

Following the clashes, the Upazila administration ordered the closure of the fair, Kumarkhali Police Station chief (OC) Md Solaiman Sheikh said.

Those injured include Jamaat's local leader and General Secretary of the Jagannathpur Union Ulama Parishad Habibul Rahman, ...