A sixth-grade student was shot and at least five others injured as violent clashes between two groups over alleged drug trade and local dominance gripped the Katabil area of Cumilla city.
The injured student, Ethan Ahmed Prem, was first taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Dhaka as his condition deteriorated, hospital sources confirmed.
Local residents said tensions between the rival groups escalated from Wednesday night, leading to repeated confrontations.
Several crude bomb explosions were also reported in the area.
The situation reportedly flared up again on Thursday morning when the two groups clashed once more, during which gunfire was exchanged.
The incident caused widespread panic among pedestrians and local residents.
At least five people sustained injuries in the clashes, including the school student who was caught in the gunfire.
Police later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
Additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest.
Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Anwar said the clashes originated from a dispute over drug business and attempts to establish control over the locality.
“The situation is now under control. We are identifying those involved and legal action will be taken,” he said. Police said investigations are ongoing.
