At least 20 people were injured when two groups clashed over control of a CNG-run auto-rickshaw and battery-powered three-wheeler stand in Bahubal, Habiganj, on Sunday.
The clash took place around noon on the old hospital road in Bahubal Bazar, following a dispute between CNG and three-wheeler drivers over control of the stand and local dominance.
Police and local residents said the two groups had been involved in a longstanding dispute over the transport stand in the Bakultala area of Bahubal Bazar. Tensions had reportedly persisted over control of the stand and influence over its operations.
The situation escalated on Sunday afternoon when drivers from the two sides became involved in a heated argument over the disputed stand. What began as a verbal altercation eventually turned into a physical confrontation as people from both groups joined the dispute.
Some participants reportedly carried locally made weapons during the clash. Bricks and other objects were also thrown between the two sides. The confrontation continued for nearly an hour, creating tension in the market and along the nearby old hospital road.
At least 20 people from both sides were injured in the violence. Local residents later rescued those injured and took them to Bahubal Upazila Health Complex and other hospitals in the area for medical treatment.
The identities of all the injured and details of their conditions were not immediately available.
Police were informed of the incident and officers from Bahubal police station went to the area. With assistance from local community representatives, they brought the situation under control and prevented the confrontation from continuing.
Bahubal police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ruhul Amin Talukdar confirmed the incident.
He said the clash occurred after an argument between the two sides over the CNG and three-wheeler stand. Police reached the scene after receiving information about the confrontation and brought the situation under control.
The incident stemmed from a dispute that had reportedly continued for some time over the stand in the Bakultala area. Sunday’s confrontation brought the longstanding disagreement into the open, resulting in injuries on both sides.
No further details about arrests, a case or other legal action were immediately available. Police intervention restored order in the area after the roughly hour-long clash.
