A fierce clash, vandalism, arson and looting took place between the two sides over shop premises and shop eviction in Rajghar and Thaliara villages of Natai Uttar union in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila. At least 20 people, including those who were stabbed, were injured in the clash that lasted from morning to noon on Sunday (June 7). Two of the injured were sent to Dhaka as their condition was critical.
According to police and local sources, Zubayer of Mindali (small group) clan of Thaliara village of Natai Uttar union and Joynal Mia of Bahadur Bari (large group) had been in a dispute over a shop premises for a long time. The shop in dispute had been run by Shiru Mia of Bahadur Bari for a long time. Recently, a decision was taken to demolish the shop in a local village arbitration. Tensions were rife between the two sides over the decision taken four days ago.
As a result, hundreds of people from both sides got involved in a clash with indigenous weapons on Sunday morning. During the clash, the entire area turned into a battlefield with tents, spears, ramdas and brickbats being thrown. At least 20 people, including men and women, were injured in this. The injured are being treated at Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital and various private clinics.
Several houses and business establishments were vandalized during the clash. In addition, there have been allegations of arson and looting of houses and shops against people from both sides. The affected families are suffering from extreme panic and insecurity.
Upon receiving the news of the clash, a large number of police officers led by Shahidul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Brahmanbaria Sadar Police Station, reached the spot and tried to control the situation. After about three hours of efforts, the situation was somewhat normalized, but around 1:30 pm, when rumors of one person’s death spread on the way to Dhaka, both sides clashed again in the presence of the police. After that, the clashes continued intermittently.
Local residents alleged that although the police were present at the scene during the clash, they played the role of silent spectators. They claimed that if effective measures were taken in time, the damage could have been reduced.
Police said that additional police have been deployed in the area to control the situation. The operation is continuing to maintain law and order and necessary legal action will be taken after identifying those involved in the incident.