Violence Erupts at Anti-Drug Meeting in Bhanga

A violent clash between two rival groups in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur has left at least 20 people injured, following tensions that emerged around a local anti-drug meeting and disputes over influence in the area.

The incident took place on Sunday morning in Maheshwardi village under Hamirdi Union, where long-standing local rivalries escalated into open confrontation. According to local sources, the dispute involves two groups from the same village, each claiming social and political influence in the community.

One faction is reportedly led by Siru Mia, Kalam Kazi, Jahid Sheikh, Miraj Matubbar and Baki Matubbar, while the opposing group is led by Chairman Khokon Mia, Moksed Khalashi, Ilias Matubbar and Badol Matubbar.

Tensions began earlier in the week after an anti-drug meeting was held on Friday at the residence of Kalam Kazi in Maheshwardi village. A second meeting was later organised on Saturday at the Hamirdi Union Parishad office. These gatherings, intended to raise awareness against narcotics, instead became the centre of disagreement between the two sides.

Local accounts suggest that mistrust quickly grew over participation in the meetings. One side alleged that individuals involved in drug-related activities were being brought into the meetings to strengthen a faction under the guise of an anti-drug campaign. The opposing side, however, claimed that genuine activists were being targeted unfairly, and that their participation in the campaign was being misrepresented.

The situation deteriorated further on Saturday evening when supporters of Siru Mia allegedly attacked the house of Delwar Matubbar, a supporter of the opposing faction, beating him and vandalising his home. This incident further inflamed tensions across the area.

On Sunday morning, violence spread to the Pukhuria bus stand area, where supporters of Chairman Khokon Mia reportedly chased members of Siru Mia’s group. The confrontation quickly escalated into a full-scale clash. Participants used locally available weapons including sticks, shields, spears, sickles, and stones, turning the area into a scene of chaos.

At least 20 people were injured in the clashes. Among the seriously wounded are Akter Matubbar, Riad Matubbar and Mamun Matubbar, who have been admitted to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex. Others received treatment locally.

Hamirdi Union Parishad Chairman Khokon Mia stated that the violence began after an attack on Delwar Matubbar’s residence, allegedly because of his involvement in the anti-drug meeting. He linked the incident directly to the subsequent clashes.

Siru Mia, however, rejected this version, alleging that drug traders had been gathered under the leadership of Chairman Khokon Mia during the meetings, which he claimed triggered the conflict.

Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said additional police forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further escalation. Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to maintain order and prevent renewed violence.