Clash erupts over Eidgah naming

Pabna Correspondent:

A clash broke out between residents of two villages in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna over the naming of a local Eidgah ground, leaving at least 20 people injured. Several houses were also vandalised during the incident.

The altercation occurred around 12 noon on Friday between villagers of Atalanka and Banyagari under Mulgram Union. Upon receiving information, the Upazila Executive Officer and police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.

The injured admitted to the Chatmohar Upazila Health Complex were identified as Azim Uddin, Surman Ali, Arman Ali, Abul Hossain, Rashed Hossain, Afzal Pramanik, Selim Hossain, and Sabbir Hossain all from Banyagari village. Some others were taken to Atgharia Upazila Health Complex and Pabna General Hospital, though their names could not be confirmed.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chatmohar Police Station, Manjurul Alam, said, “We went to the scene immediately after receiving reports of the clash. The dispute arose between villagers of Atalanka and Banyagari over the naming of the Eidgah ground. The situation is now under control.”

He added that on Saturday, a case was filed by residents of Banyagari against several individuals from Atalanka village, while the latter are also expected to file a counter case.

“Legal action will be taken following investigation,” the OC said.

According to local and police sources, a long-standing dispute has existed between the two villages regarding the Eidgah’s name.

During the last Eid, residents of both villages performed prayers separately under police supervision.

Community leaders and police held several meetings in an attempt to resolve the issue, but no agreement was reached.

Tensions flared again on Friday when villagers argued over the installation of a nameplate at the AtalankaEidgah ground.