45 injured in Faridpur villagers' clash

At least 45 people were injured in clashes between two groups of villagers over establishing supremacy in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur this evening.

During the clashes, several houses and shops were vandalised and looted, locals said.

According to residents, a longstanding conflict had been ongoing between Liton Matubber, 55, of Chhoto Hamirdi and Kuddus Munsi, 60, of Gopinathpur over local supremacy.

The dispute escalated last Thursday evening when Simon Sheikh, an associate of Liton Matubber, got into an argument with Kuddus Munsi over land issues. Although the altercation was defused by witnesses, tensions remained high.

Following the incident, both groups reportedly prepared for a clash on Friday morning, armed with sticks, shields, and traditional weapons. Senior villagers intervened and arranged an arbitration for this afternoon to settle the matter.

However, before the arbitration could begin, hundreds of supporters from both sides clashed with sticks, shields, sickles, and bricks around 4:00 pm.

The fighting continued until 6:30 pm, leaving at least 45 people injured.

Both groups claimed that their homes and shops were vandalised and looted during the violence.

On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The injured were taken to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex.

Tansib Jubayer, health and family planning officer at the complex, said that at least 45 people received treatment, five of whom were later transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition. "Most of the injuries were caused by traditional weapons and brick chips," he added.

Shah Alam Molla, 20, a supporter of Liton Matubber receiving treatment at Bhanga Health Complex, alleged, "Kuddus Munsi's supporters attacked us first and vandalised our homes."

In contrast, Tohiruddin Fakir, 50, a supporter of Kuddus Munsi, claimed, "Liton Matubber's supporters launched the attack. They vandalised shops and damaged our homes. Kuddus Munsi's elder brother, Motaleb Munsi, led the assault."

Confirming the incident, Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ashraf Hossain said the clashes erupted over local dominance. "Police quickly intervened to control the situation. Additional forces have been requested from the district headquarters to maintain law and order," he said.

Liton Matubber and Kuddus Munsi could not be reached for comments in this regard.