At least 40 homes and shops has been destroyed in Chitalmari Upazila in Bagerhat as violent clashes erupted between the Bishwas and Sheikh groups over land and dominance on the Madhumati river chars.
One youth, Rajib Sheikh, 25, was killed and around 25 others injured in attacks that included arson, looting, and vandalism.
The violence unfolded on Thursday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm in Chingri village. Police, the army, and the fire service later intervened to restore order. By Friday afternoon, tension remained high, with locals fearing further attacks.
On-site reports described streets strewn with bricks and burnt debris. Entire homes were reduced to ashes, while others were partially damaged. Many residents lost their last possessions and struggled to secure food. Families gathered to cook in makeshift arrangements behind destroyed homes.
The clashes reportedly began when a youth, Arif Sheth, was attacked with a “fulkuchi”, a traditional iron fish-catching tool, by members of the Bishwas family. Retaliatory chases escalated into full-scale assaults on Sheikh homes, led by Syed Bishwas and Sohag Member, with more than 200 assailants attacking simultaneously.
Victims described extensive looting and arson. Lyakat Sheikh said his home and belongings were completely destroyed. Monowara Begum, whose husband is paralysed, said she lost six months’ worth of stored rice. Abdul Gani Sheikh reported valuables worth at least Tk1.5 crore were stolen, while multiple multi-storey buildings were set ablaze.
Police have arrested Saurav Bishwas, 19, in connection with the violence. Bagerhat Additional Superintendent of Police Md Shamim Hossain confirmed the death of Rajib Sheikh, the injuries to several others, and ongoing operations to apprehend remaining perpetrators. The victim’s body has been sent to Khulna Medical College for post-mortem.
Chitalmari Fire Service Station Officer Abdul Wadud said around 20–25 homes were fully burnt. Four fire units managed to control the blaze after three hours despite difficult conditions.
Authorities have deployed additional forces to prevent further unrest and restore security, but locals continue to fear renewed clashes between the two families.
