At least 30 people were injured when two rival groups clashed on the Cumilla–Sylhet highway in Brahmanbaria’s Uttar Suhilpur area on Wednesday night, following a dispute rooted in Awami League–BNP political rivalry.
The incident took place in Uttar Suhilpur area, where members of the Aziz and Ukil groups attacked each other under torchlight, armed with spears, sticks and other locally made weapons.
The clash, which began around 9pm and continued until 11pm, brought traffic to a standstill for nearly three kilometres, causing severe congestion, locals said.
Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Azharul Islam said police and army personnel rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. “Legal action will be taken against those involved in the clash,” he said.
Police and witnesses said the violence stemmed from an earlier altercation between Saddam Hossain of the “lawyer group” and Akhter Mia of the “Aziz group.” The two reportedly argued over political issues involving the Awami League and BNP, during which Saddam allegedly slapped Akhter.
An arbitration meeting held earlier in the day failed to ease tensions, prompting both groups to engage in a violent confrontation later that night, using sticks, spears and other locally made weapons.
