A 23-year-old youth was killed and at least 30 others were injured in a violent clash between two factions over the control of a shrine (mazar) and mosque in Dakshin Surma, Sylhet, on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Russel Ahmad, 23, son of Sharuk Miah of the area.
The clash erupted after Jummah prayers in front of the Hazrat Shah Taiyab Chhoilani (R.) Mosque and Eidgah in the Choker Bazar area of Silam Union under Dakshin Surma Upazila.
Russel’s body has been kept at the morgue of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, confirmed Dakshin Surma Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ashrafuzzaman.
According to police and local sources, a long-standing dispute has been ongoing between two factions of Shekhpara village in Silam over the management of the Hazrat Shah Taiyab Chhoilani (R.) Waqf Estate.
Earlier, on 22 August, the two sides had locked in a clash over the same issue, leaving 30 people, including police personnel, injured.
On Friday, members of both factions gathered at the mosque after Jummah prayers, leading to an altercation that escalated into a two-hour battle involving domestic weapons and brickbats.
The clash left Russel dead and at least 30 others injured, with the casualties being rescued and sent to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.
Dakshin Surma Police Station OC Ashrafuzzaman said that although Russel died in the clash, the spot falls under the jurisdiction of Moglabazar Police Station, where local police are present. Assistance from Dakshin Surma Police Station was also requested to bring the situation under control.
Moglabazar Police Station OC Monirul Islam said the clash broke out after Jummah prayers, and the situation in the area remains tense. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain order.
Background of the conflict
The dispute traces back to 29 July, when the Waqf Administration under the Ministry of Religious Affairs approved a nine-member committee to manage the Waqf Estate.
The committee made Sylhet-3 constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Mohammad Abdul Malique president, the Dakshin Surma Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) vice-president, and Fazlu Miah the Mutawalli, which triggered friction between the two groups.
Subsequently, Shah Abdul Mannan filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the validity of the committee.
Following a hearing on 16 August, the High Court upheld the newly approved committee but temporarily suspended Mutawalli Fazlu Miah’s activities, directing Abed Raja to discharge the duties instead.
Local sources said that tension had been prevailing in the area following the court directive.
