One Killed in Banshkhali Fish Farm Clash

A dispute over the control of fish farms in Banshkhali Upazila of Chattogram turned deadly in the early hours of Friday, leaving one man dead and at least 20 others injured after violent clashes between two local groups.

The incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. on Friday (31 July) near the embankment in the West Saral area of Ward No. 1 under Saral Union. According to police and local residents, tensions that had been simmering for a long time over the possession of fish enclosures and nearby salt fields escalated into a large-scale confrontation.

The deceased was identified as 30-year-old Mohammad Zillur Rahman, a resident of West Saral. He sustained gunshot injuries during the clash. Family members rushed him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Police and local sources said the conflict stemmed from a prolonged rivalry between two local factions, commonly known in the area as the Mansur group and the Kabir group. The disagreement centred on the control of commercially valuable fish farms and salt cultivation land, an issue that had reportedly caused repeated tensions in the locality in the past.

As the confrontation intensified during the night, members of both sides allegedly used firearms, sharp weapons and sticks. Amid the violence, Zillur Rahman was struck by gunfire. At least 20 other people also suffered injuries during the clash. Authorities have not yet released the identities or medical conditions of the injured, although several were reportedly taken to nearby healthcare facilities for treatment.

Law enforcement personnel were deployed after receiving reports of the violence. Police moved quickly to the scene and succeeded in bringing the situation under control, preventing further escalation. Security measures in the surrounding area have since been strengthened as officers continue their investigation.

Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Superintendent of Police for the Anwara Circle, confirmed that one person had been killed in the incident. He said police had restored order at the scene and were conducting a detailed investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the clash and identify everyone involved.

Nurul Alam, the officer in charge of the police outpost at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, said a young man from Banshkhali was brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds, where the attending physician pronounced him dead.

Banshkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Robiul Haque said officers responded immediately after receiving information about the incident. He added that efforts were under way to identify and arrest those responsible, while investigators were working to establish the full sequence of events and the underlying cause of the violence.

Local residents said disputes over the possession of fish farms and salt fields have periodically created tensions in parts of the coastal upazila, where such resources are considered economically significant. The latest incident has renewed concerns over public safety in the area, prompting police to maintain a heightened presence while the investigation continues.