More than 50 people, including men and women, were injured in a clash between residents of five villages over a previous dispute in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj on Wednesday afternoon.
The clash took place in front of the assistant superintendent of police (ASP) office at Madhya Tahirpur village under Sadar union of the upazila.
According to local sources, tensions had been brewing amongst residents of the five villages over the past few days regarding a previous dispute.
On Tuesday night, an announcement was made via a mosque loudspeaker calling on people to assemble.
On Wednesday morning, residents from various villages gathered near the venue, but police presence prevented any violence at the time.
However, the clash broke out in the afternoon when one faction arrived at the spot by boat. The incident involved chases, counter-chases, and attacks, spreading panic throughout the area.
Local residents claimed that over 50 people, including men and women, were injured in the violence, although their identities could not be immediately confirmed.
In contrast, Tahirpur Assistant Superintendent of Police (additional charge) SM Fazle Rabbi Rajib said that four people were injured in the incident. He explained that police had been deployed at the site since Wednesday morning following Tuesday night’s loudspeaker announcement, which successfully prevented any morning clashes.
ASP Rajib added that the situation is currently calm, and police are working to identify those who incited the clash through the mosque loudspeaker announcement. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area due to fears of further violence.
