A man was shot and another injured when two groups clashed over control of an area in Sabrang union of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday.
The injured were Helal, 25, son of Moulvi Abdul Gafur, and Mohammad Harun, 29, son of former union parishad member Sabbir.
Both are residents of Sikdar Para.
According to local sources, the clash broke out around noon after an argument between the two groups in Sikdar Para.
They alleged that a group led by Tofail, brother of union parishad member Shamsu, attacked the other side during the altercation, and Helal was shot and injured.
Harun was also injured.
Locals said the dispute between the family of Moulvi Gafur in Sikdar Para and the Alu Gola family of neighbouring Panchhari Para has continued for years. The two sides have previously been involved in several clashes and exchanges of gunfire over control of the area, they said.
Some residents alleged that both sides have links to the drug trade. The allegations could not be independently verified.
Local sources said Tofail, brother of union parishad member Shamsu, currently leads one side, while Russell, son of Moulvi Gafur, leads the other.
Residents said disputes over alleged drug trading and control of the area have periodically triggered clashes and gunfire, raising concerns about security in Sikdar Para and nearby areas.
Mariam Islam, an emergency department physician at Teknaf Upazila Health Complex, said the two injured men were taken to the hospital around 2:20pm.
“After providing them with initial treatment, we referred them to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital for better treatment,” she said.
Helal suffered a gunshot injury on the right side of his waist, while Harun sustained injuries to his head and left hand, the doctor said.
Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Saiful Islam said a fight broke out at Sabrang Bazar following an argument between two groups.
“Police are at the scene and the situation is now normal,” he said.
Tension was reported in the area following the clash, with residents calling for stronger law-enforcement measures to prevent further violence.
