A 14-year-old schoolboy, Mustakim Mia, was shot dead during a violent clash between rival factions in Raipura Upazila, Narsingdi, early on Wednesday morning. The tragic incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m. in the char area of Saidabad, within Shrinagar Union.
Mustakim, a seventh-grade student and son of Saudi-based expatriate Masud Rana, was reportedly standing in his home courtyard when gunfire erupted. Local police and residents say that long-standing disputes over dominance and influence between two local factions had escalated in recent days, ultimately leading to the deadly confrontation.
According to authorities, previous clashes in Saidabad have already resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including women, and incidents of property attacks and looting have been reported. The two main groups involved are led by Hanif Master and Ershad Mia, respectively.
On Wednesday morning, followers of Ershad Mia reportedly launched an armed attack, using both improvised and firearms, on homes associated with Hanif Master’s supporters. A resistance by the opposing faction quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire. During the clash, Mustakim was struck by a bullet fired from a firearm reportedly wielded by Masum, also known as “China,” the nephew of former Union Parishad member Firoz Mia. He was declared dead at the scene.
At least ten people were injured in the incident. Three confirmed gunshot victims include:
| Name | Age | Injury Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rafiqul Islam | 37 | Gunshot wound |
| Sohan | 26 | Gunshot wound |
| Rozina Begum | 35 | Gunshot wound |
The identities of the remaining injured have not yet been confirmed.
Emergency services, including police, army, and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, were promptly deployed to the area to restore law and order. Police report that the situation is now under control, though investigations and operations to apprehend those involved continue.
Speaking to reporters, Mustakim’s mother, Shahana Begum, said, “My son had just stepped into the courtyard when he was shot by Masum, the nephew of former UP member Firoz Mia. We are not affiliated with any political group. I demand exemplary justice for the murder of my child.”
Dr Bimal Chandra Dhar, an emergency physician at Raipura Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that Mustakim was brought in with a gunshot wound to his left side. The bullet had passed through his body, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Raipura Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md. Mujibur Rahman, verified the incident and stated, “Additional police forces have been deployed. Efforts to identify and arrest those responsible are ongoing. The exact number of injured is still being verified.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting ongoing tensions in Saidabad and raising concerns about the safety of residents amid recurrent gang disputes.