A 30-year-old auto-rickshaw driver has died following a clash between youths from two villages over a football match in a border area between Hajiganj and Shahrasti upazilas in Chandpur district. At least six people were also injured in the violence, which broke out at Dhopolla Bazar on Thursday afternoon (12 November).
The victim, Shahjahan, died while receiving treatment at Hajiganj Upazila Health Complex later that evening. His death has heightened tensions in the area, where the dispute between residents of the two villages had reportedly been simmering for several days.
Shahjahan was the son of Ali Ahmed of Munshibari in Enayetpur, Ward No. 9 of Hajiganj Municipality. He worked as an auto-rickshaw driver and leaves behind a son and a daughter.
According to members of his family, the dispute began around three days before the fatal incident, following a football match at Sonachোঁ Balur field. A number of youths from Enayetpur in Hajiganj and Dhopolla in Shahrasti reportedly became involved in a scuffle during or after the game. The confrontation left tensions between the two groups unresolved.
The disagreement escalated on Thursday afternoon when the rival groups clashed at Dhopolla Bazar in Tamt South Union of Shahrasti. There were allegations that between 50 and 70 youths and teenagers from several households in the Dhopolla area took part in the confrontation.
Shahjahan was reportedly caught up in the violence while travelling through the area in his auto-rickshaw with a passenger. He had come from Enayetpur and was on his way home when he was attacked, according to his relatives. Local residents rescued him in a seriously injured condition and took him to Hajiganj Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
His brother, Manik Hossain, said the two villages had been experiencing tension for several days over the football-related dispute. He claimed Shahjahan was attacked after becoming caught in the clash while returning home in his auto-rickshaw on Thursday afternoon.
Manik said Shahjahan received initial treatment at the health complex and was subsequently taken home. However, he suddenly complained of chest pain, prompting his family to arrange another trip to hospital. He died on the way, before reaching the facility.
The precise circumstances surrounding his death, including the nature of his injuries and the medical cause, will need to be established through the relevant medical and post-mortem procedures.
After receiving news of the incident, Sub-Inspector Saurav Sadi of Hajiganj Police Station carried out the inquest and completed the procedures related to the post-mortem examination. The body was subsequently taken to the police station.
Shahrasti Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mir Mahbubur Rahman said preparations were under way to file a case and that police were working on the matter. He added that those responsible would not be spared.
The incident has raised concern among local residents, particularly because a dispute reportedly originating from a sporting event has resulted in a death. The investigation is expected to establish how the confrontation developed, identify those involved and determine the circumstances in which Shahjahan was injured. Any legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
