A violent confrontation over unpaid business dues in Gazipur District, Bangladesh, has left multiple people injured after an armed group allegedly opened fire, carried out vandalism, and looted a local supermarket. CCTV footage of the incident has since circulated widely on Facebook, intensifying public concern.
The incident occurred around 8:00 pm on Tuesday at a commercial outlet located in the Haji Kacham Ali Fakir Supermarket in Shreepur Upazila. According to police and eyewitness accounts, the violence stemmed from a financial dispute between a local businessman and a customer over unpaid goods.
Local sources state that tensions had been building between Foysal Ahmed, owner of the “New Jamalpur Glass and Thai Aluminium Fabrication” shop, and a customer identified as Rana Bhandari of Kewa village. Bhandari had previously purchased goods on credit and still owed a significant amount of money. The dispute escalated when he allegedly attempted to take additional goods without clearing the outstanding balance.
Foysal Ahmed reported that Bhandari purchased goods worth 72,000 taka on Saturday, paying 30,000 taka upfront and agreeing to settle the remaining 42,000 taka on the following day. However, when he returned the next day and again attempted to obtain materials without paying the dues, an argument broke out with a shop employee, which was later temporarily resolved by local mediators.
According to the complainant, the situation took a more serious turn that night when Rana Bhandari, allegedly accompanied by his brother Mamun and a group of 10 to 15 individuals, returned to the market armed with local weapons. The group reportedly attacked the shop, vandalised property, and carried out looting.
Foysal Ahmed further claimed that during the assault, three shots were fired at him. He narrowly escaped unharmed as the bullets missed their target. The sound of gunfire caused panic among traders and customers, prompting many shopkeepers to shut down immediately.
Several individuals sustained injuries during the attack, including family members of the market owner and shop staff. Police confirmed that they had been dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
Reported Victims and Injuries
| Name | Age | Role | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamal Fakir | 40 | Market owner’s son | Injured (assault) |
| Siam | 22 | Nephew of owner | Injured (assault) |
| Shahin | 30 | Shop manager | Injured (assault) |
| Shanto | 25 | Employee | Injured (assault) |
| Shyamal | 22 | Employee | Injured (assault) |
Authorities from Shreepur Upazila police station confirmed that the matter is under investigation. Officer-in-Charge Md Nasir Ahmed stated that allegations of firing and organised violence were being examined, and legal action would follow once a formal complaint is filed.
Meanwhile, the accused individuals remain absconding, and law enforcement efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. Police have also begun reviewing CCTV footage that has been widely shared online to identify those involved and verify the sequence of events.
The incident has raised renewed concerns among local traders regarding business security and the handling of credit-based transactions in the area.