NN Online:
A fierce clash broke out between two rival factions in the Durbadanga area of Bilaspur Union under Jajira upazila of Shariatpur on Saturday morning, reportedly over a long-standing power struggle. During the violence, over 100 handmade bombs were detonated, leaving at least five people injured.
The clash began around 8:00am and by noon, the situation remained tense in the area, according to local sources.
Police and witnesses said the conflict stemmed from an ongoing rivalry between Bilaspur Union Parishad Chairman Kuddus Bepari and local Swechchhasebak League leader Jalil Madbor. Both leaders, affiliated with the ruling Awami League, had contested for the union chairman post about four years ago, intensifying their feud.
On Saturday, the violence was triggered by a minor altercation but quickly escalated as supporters from both groups engaged in the confrontation. A 15-second video circulated on social media showed men wearing helmets and carrying buckets from which they hurled explosives in an open field, followed by loud blasts and thick smoke.
Chairman Kuddus Bepari denied any involvement in the incident, claiming that clashes had been brewing for the past few days and that he had repeatedly informed the police. He blamed the violence on supporters of Jalil Madbor and another local leader, Salauddin Master.
Attempts to reach Jalil Madbor and Salauddin Master for comment were unsuccessful as their phones remained unreachable.
Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Jajira Police Station Dulal Akhand said police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. “The violence resulted from a power struggle between the two groups. The area is now calm, and legal action will follow,” he added.
