Tensions ran high at Chattogram Customs House today after a public auction for around 16,000 litres (52,000 cans) of the Afghan cold drink Pamir Cola ended in a scuffle between rival bidders.

The altercation broke out between regular participants and a group of newcomers during the auction, held at the customs' auction branch around noon.

Mohammad Selim of Farzana Fashion, a registered bidder and member of the Chattogram Customs Bidders' Association, secured the consignment with the highest bid of Tk 35 lakh. This marks a stark contrast to the previous auction held on March 19, where a similar consignment of Pamir Cola was sold to Rafique & Brothers for Tk 10.5 lakh.

Both consignments carried a reserved price of around Tk 84 lakh each, set by customs authorities. The nearly threefold increase in the final bid this time has raised eyebrows among traders and officials alike.

Insiders attributed the inflated bid to the perceived higher market value of the product, which drew several new bidders to the latest round. However, most of them ultimately withdrew before bidding escalated.

Eyewitnesses said the auction began at 12:00pm and lasted for about 15 minutes, with more than a hundred people present. Bidding started at Tk 7 lakh and climbed to Tk 35 lakh before the hammer fell.

Following the auction, a heated exchange broke out between Mohammad Selim and another bidder, Mohammad Parvez Akhtar, which led to a brief physical scuffle. Supporters of both men stepped in to defuse the situation.

Selim confirmed that he had filed a general diary with Bandar Police Station.

Mohammad Badrul Alam Molla, deputy commissioner (Bandar Zone) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, said, "We received reports of a commotion and a brief scuffle between two groups of bidders. Both parties have come to the station to file general diaries. We are reviewing CCTV footage to determine what happened."

When asked if the dispute had any political undertones, the DC responded, "Both individuals are businessmen. The issue appears to be related to the auction."

Atikur Rahman, assistant commissioner at Chattogram Customs House, added, "There was a brief disturbance following the auction. In the future, we will ensure police and Ansar personnel are deployed to maintain order during such events."