Trivial disputes are increasingly turning into deadly village clashes in Habiganj, creating fear and unrest among residents. In the first eight months of this year, at least 19 people have been killed and 807 injured in 104 separate clashes and related incidents across the district.
Despite immediate police action, including the deployment of additional forces, authorities have struggled to prevent recurring violence. Social observers blame the growing trend on a lack of tolerance, local disputes, and the tendency to escalate minor issues.
Recent incidents have highlighted the severity of the situation. On 2 September, a three-hour clash broke out at Mirpur Bazaar in Bahubal over a dispute regarding the schedule of an indoor football match. The fighting, involving homemade weapons and brickbats, left at least 50 people injured and several shops damaged.
On August 30, a dispute over children’s football in Baniachong led to a clash involving residents of several neighbourhoods. Around 30 people, including women and children, were injured.
Earlier, on June 15, a clash between residents of Adityapur and Abdafoujda villages in Bahubal over a cemetery road left two people dead and around 40 injured. Other major incidents included clashes over a Union Parishad handover, football supporters’ disputes, land conflicts and religious issues.
Habiganj Press Club founder president Advocate Mansur Uddin Ahmed Iqbal said the district was gradually becoming prone to violent clashes. He urged local representatives and the administration to work together to prevent the situation from worsening.
Habiganj District Bar Association President Advocate Manzur Uddin Ahmed Shaheen said awareness and social responsibility were essential to stop such violence.
Superintendent of Police Tarek Mahmud said police were working to control clashes and recover illegal weapons used during conflicts. He warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in violent activities.
