50 injured as supporters of ex-UP chairman, member clash in Habiganj

More than 50 people, including policemen, have been injured in a clash between supporters of a former Union Parishad chairman and a sitting member in Habiganj’s Ajmiriganj over a pre-existing dispute involving a waterbody lease.

The violence broke out around 8pm on Friday in Ujan Para village under Birat Union, said Md Akbar Hossain, chief (OC) of Ajmiriganj Police Station.

Police said a longstanding dispute over the lease of a water body had persisted between former Birat Union Chairman Ismail Hossain Soros and current member Mujibur Rahman.

Tensions between the two factions had been simmering for several days.

The situation turned physical after a heated argument on Friday evening between Niloy, son of Motahir Mia from the Soros camp, and Bazlu Mia, son of Motalib Mia from the Mujibur faction.

By night, both groups stormed the village armed with locally made weapons and torches, turning the it into a battleground during the hour-long fight.

Police from Azmiriganj station intervened and brought the situation under control.

At least 50 individuals, including members of the police force, sustained injuries during the riot.

Among those admitted to Ajmiriganj Upazila Health Complex and Habiganj District Sadar Modern Hospital are Dilkush Mia, 40, Mohibur Mia, 45, Baram Mia, 48, Zainal Abedin, 55, Sekul Mia, 48, Ruman Mia, 22, Ujjal Mia, 20, Pabel Mia, 24, Hossain Mia, 21, Kabil Hossain, 35, Nizam Uddin, 55, and Mohibul Rahman, 45.

OC Akbar noted that an initial verbal spat over a previous rivalry led the two groups to engage in the brawl.

He confirmed that the situation is currently back to normal.