Madaripur town witnessed a violent outbreak on Saturday, 17 January, as tensions flared between rival groups following the murder of a local trade union leader. The unrest, centred in Ward 2 of the municipality, escalated into hours of clashes in New Madaripur, resulting in injuries, property damage, and widespread panic among residents.
According to local sources, the violence stemmed from a long-standing feud between supporters of Akhtar Howlader, accused in the killing of trade union leader Shakil Munshi, and those backing the complainant, Hasan Munshi. Early on Saturday morning, supporters of Akhtar Howlader reportedly attacked the home of union leader Hannan Dhal, further inflaming tensions in the neighbourhood.
By 10:00 am, both factions had confronted each other in the streets, leading to intense skirmishes. Eyewitnesses reported a barrage of brick and stone throwing, the use of homemade weapons, and repeated explosions of crude bombs and Molotov cocktails. “The entire area resembled a battlefield,” one resident recounted, adding that many families were forced to take cover in their homes amid the chaos.
Law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to bring the situation under control. A joint operation involving the police, army, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) managed to stabilise the area within a few hours. Additional police personnel were deployed, and several homemade weapons were recovered during the operation. Additional Superintendent of Police Jahangir Alam stated, “The clash involved supporters of both the complainant and the accused. While the situation remains sensitive, security forces are maintaining a vigilant presence to prevent further violence.”
Abul Kalam Azad, Officer-in-Charge of Madaripur Sadar Police Station, confirmed that no formal cases had yet been filed by either side.
The following table summarises key details of the clash:
| Incident | Date & Time | Location | Injured | Property Damage | Police Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-killing clash of trade union leader | 17 January, morning–afternoon | New Madaripur, Ward 2 | 10 | Several homes vandalised | Joint police, army & RAB operation; homemade weapons recovered; additional police deployed |
The ongoing clashes have left local residents anxious and fearful for their safety. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain stability, with law enforcement remaining on high alert to prevent further escalation.