10 injured in clash in Faridpur

At least 10 people were injured in a clash between two rival groups at Shahmallikdi village under Bhanga upazila in Faridipur yesterday evening. Among them, two were admitted to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex.

According to locals, there had been a longstanding conflict between Abdul Aziz Tuku Mollah, a freedom fighter, and Shafi Mollah.

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Moni Mollah, 35, the son of Abdul Aziz Tuku Mollah, had been allegedly hacked indiscriminately by assailants earlier on March 31.

Following the attack, Tuku Mollah's family accused their rivals, supporters of Shafi Mollah, of orchestrating the assault. Tensions escalated, leading to yesterday's violent confrontation.

Hundreds of people from both groups armed with sharp weapons, brickbats, and sticks clashed for around two hours, leaving 10 injured from both sides.

Shahid Munshi, a member of Ward no. 7 of Algi union parishad, confirmed that 10 people were injured, stating that disputes over land and other longstanding issues had fueled tensions between the two groups. However, he could not confirm the exact reason behind yesterday's clash.

Abdul Aziz Tuku Mollah claimed that his son was attacked because he had opposed drug dealing in the area. He alleged that a supporter of Shafi Mollah was involved in the Yaba trade.

"When my son protested against it, they attacked him on Eid night. On Wednesday, they launched another assault on us," he added.

However, Shafi Mollah denied the allegations, saying, "There has been a long-running dispute between us. They often attack our people. On Wednesday, they launched the first attack, and we retaliated. None of our people are involved in the yaba trade."

Confirming the incident, Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Ashraf Hossain said, "The clash was triggered by previous enmity between the two groups. Upon receiving information, Bhanga police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further violence. No complaints have been filed yet, but legal action will be taken if a formal complaint is lodged."