At least two people were killed and more than 50 others injured in violent clashes between residents of two villages in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj on Monday, over a long-standing dispute involving a pathway leading to a local cemetery.
The deceased were identified as Selu Mia, 53, and Helal Mia, 37, both residents of Adityapur village.
Police and local sources said the dispute over the walkway adjacent to a cemetery between Adityapur and Abdafaujda villages had persisted for years before tensions escalated around 1:00pm following an altercation between locals from both sides.
The verbal exchange reportedly involved Milon and Nasir from Adityapur and Abdul Hai and Shalu Mia from Abdafaujda, which quickly spiralled into violence.
Residents from both villages then engaged in clashes using locally made weapons. Police rushed to the scene and initially brought the situation under control, but fresh violence broke out again in the evening.
The renewed clashes involved chases, counter-chases and brick-batting, leaving more than 50 people injured.
Selu Mia was taken to Bahubal Upazila Health Complex in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Helal Mia was later shifted to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries around 11:00pm.
The injured were admitted to Bahubal Upazila Health Complex and Habiganj District Sadar Modern Hospital. Those receiving treatment include Kadar Ali, 70, Lutfur Rahman, 30, Ataur Rahman, 25, Kuhinur, 41, Jahid Mia, 55, Rimon, 18, Olfuj Mia, 50, Khalil Mia, 30, Suhel Mia, 30, Habib Mia, 25, Simon, 18, and Hannan, 50.
Local Union Parishad member Md Parvez Mosharraf Hossain confirmed the deaths and details of the incident.
Officer-in-Charge of Bahubal Model Police Station Saiful Islam said police were deployed immediately after being informed and moved to restore order.
He added that additional police personnel have been stationed in the area to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
