At least 30 people were injured in clashes between two rival groups in Bijoynagar upazila of Brahmanbaria con Sunday over previous enmity.
Five of the injured were reportedly in critical condition.
The clashes took place between supporters of former Ichhapura Union Parishad chairman Akhtar and those of another local group led by Bakul.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the confrontation began around 7am when members of the two groups, armed with locally made weapons, engaged in a series of chases and counter-attacks.
The violence continued until around 10am, turning parts of the area into a battleground. Houses belonging to members of both groups were allegedly vandalised and looted during the clashes.
Police and witnesses said the dispute began with an altercation at a local market on Saturday involving Enam, a member of the Akhtar group, and Rubel of the Bakul group.
The argument reportedly escalated into a clash, after which members of both sides became involved and allegedly attacked each other’s homes.
The confrontation resumed the following morning and continued for nearly three hours.
The injured were taken to Bijoynagar Upazila Health Complex and Brahmanbaria District Sadar Hospital for treatment.
Police from Bijoynagar Police Station rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the clashes and deployed additional personnel to contain the situation.
Local and upazila-level BNP leaders and activists also went to the area and attempted to calm the rival groups.
Bijoynagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Ahsan Ullah said the clashes were triggered by a longstanding dispute.
“Police rushed to the spot after receiving the information and brought the situation under control,” he said.
The situation is now under control, the OC said, adding that additional police personnel had been deployed to maintain law and order in the area.
