A violent confrontation erupted on Tuesday night in Lakshmipur’s Chandraganj Union, when rival villagers engaged in a shootout outside the local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) office. The clash, stemming from a long-standing dispute over local influence, left one passerby shot and another young man severely beaten.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. on 24 March, near the entrance of Afzal Road in West Chandraganj Bazaar. Eyewitnesses reported that tensions between Deopara and Shekhpur villages had escalated the previous day, with a scuffle breaking out on 23 March. The following evening, hostilities intensified, culminating in gunfire.
Abdur Rahim, 54, a tree trader from Shekhpur village and son of Shamsul Haque, was struck in the left leg by a stray bullet while walking near the BNP office. Meanwhile, Saiful Islam Manik, 20, from East Jafarpur village in Charshahi Union and son of Mizanur Rahman, was attacked by Mitul’s supporters with a chain, sustaining serious injuries. Both victims were swiftly taken to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital by local residents for urgent medical attention.
According to hospital sources, Dr. Salam Sourav confirmed that Abdur Rahim received initial treatment before being referred to Noakhali General Hospital for further care. Manik continues to receive treatment at the local facility.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that Rakib Patwari led Deopara villagers while Mitul represented Shekhpur during the confrontation. Police arrived at the scene after the incident, but both groups had already fled, making immediate law enforcement intervention impossible. Chandraganj police station officer-in-charge, Morshed Alam, confirmed that an investigation is underway, though no arrests have yet been made.
This incident underscores the growing tensions in Chandraganj, where disputes over local dominance have repeatedly escalated into violence. Authorities have appealed to villagers to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent further clashes.
Key Incident Details
| Date & Time | Location | Rival Groups | Victims | Injuries | Leaders Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 March, 9:00 pm | BNP Office, Afzal Road, Chandraganj | Deopara vs Shekhpur | Abdur Rahim (54), Saiful Islam Manik (20) | Gunshot wound (Rahim), Beaten with chain (Manik) | Rakib Patwari (Deopara), Mitul (Shekhpur) |
The incident has heightened concern among local residents and authorities alike, highlighting the urgent need for community dialogue and stricter law enforcement to curb escalating violence.