Two people, including a mosque imam, were killed and over 50 others injured Tuesday morning in Nasirnagar upazila, Brahmanbaria, when violent clashes broke out between rival groups over a longstanding local dispute.
The confrontation took place began around 10:30am in Gopalnagar village between members of the Rahim Talukdar and Kasem Mia factions, reportedly over longstanding local disputes.
Both sides, armed with sticks, iron rods, and homemade weapons, joined the clash, turning the area into a battlefield.
Maulana Habibur Rahman, 35, imam of the Gopalnagar Schoolpara Jame Masjid, and Akhtar Mia, 45, were killed while trying to intervene in the fighting.
Ten of the injured are in critical condition and have been referred to Dhaka and district sadar hospitals for advanced treatment.
Eyewitnesses said one group used a microphone to give instructions during the clash, a video of which quickly circulated on social media. Police and military forces arrived at the scene to restore order and control the situation.
The incident follows a previous clash between the same groups on 17 March. Tensions had escalated after allegations of irregularities during the 13th parliamentary elections at Gopalnagar High School, when Ziaur Rahman, a supporter of the Rahim Talukdar group, was detained and sentenced to 10 days in a mobile court.
This reportedly fueled revenge attacks against members of the Kasem Mia faction.
Gopalnagar Union Parishad Chairman Azharul Haque Chowdhury said the latest violence was rooted in old rivalries. Nasirnagar Upazila Health Complex resident medical officer Shafiqul Islam confirmed that the two critically injured victims were referred to Dhaka for specialised treatment.
Police Superintendent Shah Mohammad Abdur Rouf said, “The clash erupted due to ongoing disputes between the groups. Two people were killed and many others injured. Police are working with the army to maintain control.”
