A violent confrontation sparked by a long-running dispute over local social dominance erupted in Magura’s Sreepur upazila, leaving at least five individuals injured and causing extensive damage to residential properties. The clash, which pitted opposing political factions against one another, saw fifteen houses and a commercial shop vandalised. The incident has left the rural community gripped by tension, prompting the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel to restore public order.
The outbreak occurred on Monday evening along the paved road in front of the residence of Israil Master in Chandikhali village. According to local residents and police sources, an underlying feud had persisted for a prolonged period between Sirajul Islam, the president of the Chandikhali village 4th ward unit of the BNP, and Asad Mallick, the former president of the Ghaeshpur Union Juba Dal. Tensions had frequently simmered between their respective camps over local influence and community matters.
Hostilities boiled over at approximately half past seven in the evening. Two supporters of Sirajul Islam—forty-year-old Imdadul and fifty-year-old Akul—were returning home from Langalbandh Bazar. As they approached Israil Master’s house, they were reportedly intercepted. Several individuals identified as supporters of Asad Mallick, including Hasib, Ziku, Asadul, and Rahmat, allegedly launched a physical assault using indigenous weapons, leaving both men severely injured.
As news of the initial assault spread rapidly across the village, supporters of Sirajul Islam mobilised and rushed to the scene. The confrontation quickly escalated into a full-scale street brawl involving country-made weapons. This violent retaliation resulted in further casualties on the opposing side, leaving three supporters of Asad Mallick—forty-year-old Siraj, fifty-five-year-old Alam, and fifty-year-old Amirul—injured. In total, five people sustained injuries during the clashes.
The wounded individuals were promptly evacuated for medical treatment. They were initially admitted to the Sreepur Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to the 250-bed Magura Sadar Hospital for further medical care.
Amidst the chaos, residential properties and commercial assets belonging to both factions suffered severe structural damage. At least fifteen houses and a local shop were targeted during the rampage. Damaged properties belonging to Sirajul Islam’s supporters included the homes of Montu, Rashed, Sohel, Wasim, Mukhtar, Sobuj, and a shop owned by Miraj Sheikh. Similarly, properties belonging to Asad Mallick’s faction—such as the homes of Sohrab Khan, Ashraf Khan, Mohidul Molla, Mir Kashem, Rafiqul Islam, and Mozammel—were ransacked.
The outbreak sent waves of panic through Chandikhali village, heightening fears of further retaliation. However, police units arrived swiftly at the scene following reports of the violence and successfully brought the situation under control.
Mohammad Oli Mia, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Sreepur Police Station, confirmed that law enforcement personnel acted promptly to quell the disturbance. To prevent any further escalation or untoward incidents, extra police forces have been stationed in the area. Authorities have confirmed that formal legal proceedings are currently underway against those involved in the violence. Local residents hope that decisive legal action and community mediation will help restore enduring peace to the village.
