Deadly Clash Over Village Rivalry

A long-standing dispute over local dominance in a village in Bangladesh’s Habiganj district has escalated into a violent overnight confrontation, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old woman and leaving at least 30 others injured.

The incident occurred in Guni village under Khagaura Union in Baniachong Upazila on Wednesday night, around 9:30 pm. According to local accounts, tensions between two influential factions—associated with Salekh Ahmed and Kamrul Islam Chowdhury—had been simmering for years over control and influence in the area. The longstanding rivalry ultimately erupted into open violence.

Eyewitnesses reported that the darkness of the village was pierced by torchlights as the two groups confronted each other. Armed with traditional weapons, the opposing sides engaged in a prolonged clash lasting approximately one hour. The confrontation involved chasing and counter-chasing through narrow village paths, creating widespread panic among residents. Families, including women and children, rushed indoors in fear as the violence unfolded outside their homes.

During the clash, Aklema Begum, aged 45, sustained severe injuries. She was the wife of the late Jaban Ullah from the same village. Locals immediately attempted to transport her to hospital, but she reportedly died on the way due to the severity of her injuries. Her death has cast a deep shadow of grief over the community.

Emergency responders and law enforcement units from Baniachong Police Station arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the violence. They worked to bring the situation under control and later deployed additional police forces to prevent any further escalation. Although tensions remain, authorities have stated that the immediate situation is now contained.

Local representatives acknowledged that multiple attempts had previously been made to mediate and resolve the dispute peacefully, but these efforts failed to produce a lasting settlement. Officials have since urged both factions to maintain calm while investigations continue.

Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to identify those involved in the violence. A series of targeted operations has been launched to arrest the perpetrators, and surveillance in the area has been intensified to prevent renewed clashes.

The incident has left villagers deeply unsettled, with many expressing concern that without swift and effective administrative intervention, such confrontations could escalate further in the future.

Casualty Summary

Authorities have reiterated that operations will continue until all those involved are brought to justice, and that maintaining peace in the area remains the top priority.