At least 10 people were injured in clashes over bus fares in Madaripur on Friday evening.
The clashes broke out around 7pm at the Bhurghata Bridge area on the Dhaka-Barishal Highway in Kalkini and Dasar upazilas of Madaripur and Gournadi upazila of Barishal.
Several crude bombs were exploded during the clashes, while at least 10 business establishments were vandalised. The violence continued for nearly two hours.
According to police and local residents, the dispute began on Monday morning when Emarat Ghorami, son of Selim Ghorami of Bongram in Dasar upazila, went to a local bus ticket counter to travel to Barishal. An argument involving residents of three upazilas broke out after bus staff allegedly demanded an extra fare. Bus workers Sobuj, Akash Fakir and their associates allegedly beat Emarat during the altercation.
The altercation later sparked clashes on Friday evening between residents of Kalkini and Dasar and people from Gournadi. Several crude bombs were detonated, while at least 10 shops were vandalised.
Protesters also set tyres on fire on the Dhaka-Barishal Highway, halting traffic and causing a 6-kilometre traffic jam on both sides of the bridge.
Police from three police stations rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. The injured were taken to various hospitals for treatment, while additional police forces remain deployed in the area.
Zahirul Alam, Officer-in-charge of Kalkini Police Station in Madaripur, confirmed the development over the phone.
