A land dispute between local leaders of the Awami League and BNP in Comilla’s Meghna Upazila escalated into a violent clash on Monday, leaving five people injured, including one seriously.
The confrontation took place at 11 am in Radhanagar village, a locality where abandoned land belonging to a minority family had long remained unused. Jasim Mia, a supporter of BNP leader Shahid Mia, attempted to fill the land and construct a house. However, he faced immediate opposition from the local Awami League ward president Moslem Mia, who reportedly assaulted Jasim’s 12-year-old son, Ratul, during the confrontation.
Shahid Mia arrived at the scene to intervene, seeking justice for the attack on his supporters. He was allegedly attacked in turn by Moslem Mia and his associates—Tarek, Niloy, Rafik, and Rajib—resulting in serious injuries. Other supporters present at the scene also sustained injuries amid the ensuing chaos.
The injured—Jamal Mia, Ratul, Taslima Akter, Shahid, and Jasim—were rushed to Meghna Upazila Health Complex, with Shahid subsequently referred to Dhaka for specialised treatment. Taslima Akter, who was among the injured, described the incident as politically motivated: “The land was abandoned by a Hindu family. When my brother-in-law tried to use it, Awami League leaders obstructed him and physically attacked him. When my husband tried to protest, he was also severely beaten.”
Police arrived promptly at the scene and restored calm. Meghna Police Chief Shahidul Islam confirmed that the situation was under control and assured that legal measures would be taken upon receiving formal complaints.
This violent incident reflects a broader pattern of rural land disputes in Bangladesh, often intensified by political affiliations. Analysts note that property conflicts, particularly involving abandoned land, frequently turn violent when political loyalties clash, jeopardising community safety and social cohesion.