At least five people were shot dead and over 50 others injured in violent clashes between two rival groups in Raipura upazila, Narsingdi on Thursday morning.
The clashes, which started on Wednesday afternoon, continued to escalate in phases with the number of injured rising to 50.
The deceased people were identified as Amir Hossain (65), Badal Mia (45), Junayed (16), Firoza Begum (35), and Anis Mia (30).
Among the injured are Jasim Mia, Amir Hossain, Abbas Ali, Imran, Shahid Mia, Bershad Mia, Joy, Shahraj, Tajul Islam, Masum Mia, Idan Mia, Mansoor Ali, Dulal Mia, Saurabh Ali, Ayman, Sanjid, Tanveer, Sohan Mia, Tanzina, Sohag Mia, Ali Akbar, Tofazzal, Saiman, and Masud.
They are currently receiving treatment at Raipura Upazila Health Complex, Narsingdi District Hospital, and Sadar Hospital.
Safayet Hossain Palash, officer-in-charge of Raipura Police Station, confirmed the matter.
Police are working to bring the situation under control. He noted that the rivalry between the groups has been ongoing for some time, he said.
He also said, "We are waiting for the army. We will only move to the spot with their support due to the security risks."
The conflict began on Wednesday afternoon and escalated into a full-blown clash, leaving around 50 people injured.
Local sources report that the clash occurred in the Saidabad village within Raipura's Srinagar union. Tensions between the groups have been building over the past six months, fueled by a struggle for dominance in the area. The conflict has seen frequent attacks and counterattacks during this period.
Local people and witnesses said that the clash took place between two groups in the village of Saidabad in Srinagar union under Raipura upazila. The groups, known as ‘Alir Bari’ and ‘Baluchar Bari’, are led by Abdul Halim Master and Saheb Ali respectively.
The two groups engaged in clashed on Wednesday afternoon (at 3:00pm) at first and again on Thursday morning.
According to local sources, tensions between the groups have been simmering for the past six months over establishing dominance in the area, with frequent attacks and counterattacks.
As of the time of writing of this report at 4:15pm, police have not arrived at the scene.
The competition for dominance between these groups have been going on for a long time, he added.
Nuruddin Jahangir, in-charge of Raipura Upazila Health Complex, said that victims were brought to the hospital at 10:00am, and they were declared dead upon arrival.
He also said several injured patients were referred to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital for further treatment.
