In a scene that highlights the volatile nature of rural power dynamics, a violent skirmish erupted under the cover of darkness in Balia village, within the Saltha Upazila of Faridpur. On the night of Thursday, 22 January 2026, rival factions utilised torchlights to navigate a chaotic battlefield, resulting in at least ten injuries and the targeted destruction of several homes.
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The Anatomy of a Long-Standing Feud
The conflict is the latest chapter in a bitter rivalry between two local heavyweights: Nuru Matubbor and Zahid Matubbor. Both men possess a complex political history; for seventeen years, they were stalwarts of the then-ruling Awami League. However, following the dramatic fall of the previous administration, both leaders transitioned to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Despite their shared new political banner, the struggle for absolute dominance over the Gotty Union has only intensified. This quest for “supremacy” has led to multiple previous clashes, with both leaders having served time in prison for their roles in past unrest.
Incident Profile: The Balia Village Riot
| Metric | Event Details |
| Primary Combatants | Supporters of Nuru Matubbor and Zahid Matubbor |
| Immediate Trigger | Dispute over onion field irrigation (Balia field) |
| Time of Escalation | 20:30 – 21:00 on Thursday night |
| Casualties | 10 injured; multiple admissions to Faridpur Medical College |
| Collateral Damage | 5 homes vandalised; reports of looting |
| Law Enforcement | Joint operation by the Bangladesh Army and Saltha Police |
From Irrigation to Insurrection
The day’s violence began with a remarkably mundane dispute. In the afternoon, Shahid Sharif (aligned with Zahid) and Zahid Sharif (aligned with Nuru) engaged in a physical altercation at the local onion fields regarding the use of irrigation pumps. While the initial scuffle was brief, it acted as a catalyst for a larger mobilisation.
By 20:30, hundreds of supporters gathered at Balia Market. Armed with torches, sticks, and local weapons, the groups engaged in a series of charges and counter-charges. The lack of visibility necessitated the use of torches, creating a surreal and terrifying visual for local residents.
Vandalism and Military Intervention
The violence soon moved from the public market to private property. At least five residential houses belonging to the opposing sides were stormed, with windows shattered and valuables looted. The injured were caught in the melee of brick-batting and physical assault; the most seriously wounded were rushed to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment.
Order was only restored after a joint contingency of the Bangladesh Army and the Saltha Police arrived at the scene. Md. Bablur Rahman Khan, the Officer-in-Charge of Saltha Police Station, confirmed that the military and police worked in tandem to disperse the mobs and secure the village. “The situation is now under control, though tensions remain high. We have increased patrols to ensure no retaliatory attacks occur,” he stated.