The local administration has imposed Section 144 in two Tangail villages following the death of a 65-year-old man in a violent clash between rival groups over territorial dominance.
The order came into effect at 6am on Friday in Golpecha village of Gopalpur Upazila and Jagatpura (Jagatkura) village of Bhuapur Upazila and will remain in force until further notice, authorities said.
The victim, identified as Kalam Talukdar, 65, was taken to Bhuapur Upazila Health Complex after the clash on Thursday. Dr Fatema on duty confirmed his death. At least 15 others were injured and admitted to Tangail General Hospital.
The violence erupted on Thursday afternoon during a four-hour-long confrontation between residents of the two villages. Both groups reportedly used domestic weapons, leading to fires that destroyed around 10 houses. Allegations of looting livestock, stored paddy, and household items also surfaced.
The conflict intensified at 8pm when hundreds of individuals from Shakharia village in Hemnagar Union attacked Nalin Bazaar, targeting shops owned by residents of Jagatkura. More than 100 shops were vandalised and looted, local businessman Nazrul Islam reported.
Residents said the tension began with a minor dispute over unpaid bills at a shop on April 22, which escalated over several clashes before culminating in Thursday’s deadly incident.
Md Sabbir Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Bhuapur Police Station, said five police officers were injured while attempting to control the situation, which has now been stabilised.
Bhuapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahbub Hasan said Section 144 was imposed to restore security after the trivial incident escalated into widespread violence, arson, and loss of life.
