A.F.M. Asad Ullah: At least 40 people, including men and women, were injured in a clash between two rival groups over establishing dominance in the village of Ajmiriganj, Habiganj. The injured were rescued and admitted to the Upazila Health Complex and the District Modern Hospital. Several houses and shops were vandalized during the clash. Police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in Jalsukha village of the upazila.
According to the police, a longstanding dispute existed between the followers of Dr. Rezaul Karim and Jalsukha Union’s current chairman, Foyez Ahmed Khelur, over various village matters. A similar clash occurred a month ago between the groups. On Monday, the two sides engaged in an altercation and scuffle, which was temporarily resolved by local elders. However, on Tuesday morning, the conflict escalated, and both groups engaged in a violent clash armed with traditional weapons. The clash, lasting about an hour, left at least 40 individuals, including men and women, injured.
The injured include Saikul Begum (50), Ziaur Rahman (35), Takdir Mia (42), Iman (22), Naim Mia (24), Shamim Mia (19), Mosad Ullah (60), Joy (20), Musqud Ullah (50), Ali Noor (14), and Faisal (14), all of whom were hospitalized.
Dr. Rezaul Karim stated, “A few days ago, the opposing group attacked me, and I filed a case regarding the incident. On Monday, when police came to arrest the accused, their people attacked ours. On Tuesday, they attacked our people again, prompting most villagers to unite and resist.”
On the other hand, former UP member Libas Mia, speaking on behalf of Foyez Ahmed Khelur’s group, claimed, “Dr. Rezaul’s supporters attacked a woman from our side while she was alone on the road. This led to the clash. The opposing group also vandalized several of our houses.”
Azmiriganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Shafiqul Islam said, “Upon receiving the news, police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. The situation is currently stable. Additional police forces have been deployed to prevent further clashes.”
