Dozens of Crude Bomb Blasts Rock Madaripur Highway

Severe violence erupted in Madaripur on Tuesday afternoon as rival groups clashed over long-standing territorial dominance, bringing two major highways to a complete halt for several hours and spreading panic among residents and commuters. The confrontation, which lasted for nearly three hours, took place at the busy Mustafapur roundabout in Madaripur Sadar upazila and involved the detonation of approximately fifty crude bombs.

According to police and local sources, the clashes began around 3:00 pm and continued uninterrupted until about 6:00 pm. During this period, both groups blocked key transport routes, including the Madaripur–Chandpur–Shariatpur regional highway and parts of the Dhaka–Barishal highway. As a result, traffic remained suspended for nearly two hours, causing extensive tailbacks and severe inconvenience to passengers, bus operators, and freight vehicles.

The violence is believed to stem from a long-running rivalry between two local factions led by Union Parishad member Habib Hawladar and Idris Hawladar on one side, and Shamchu Sardar, also known locally as “Kopa Shamchu”, on the other. Tensions escalated further after Shamchu Sardar, recently released on bail following arrest in an explosives-related case, allegedly assaulted a teenage member of the Hawladar family earlier that morning. This incident reportedly triggered the afternoon confrontation.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as supporters from both sides armed themselves with traditional weapons and hurled improvised explosives, creating loud blasts and thick smoke across the area. At least ten people sustained injuries during the clashes. Several commercial establishments and residential homes were vandalised and looted amid the unrest.

Law enforcement agencies, including police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Detective Branch units, and the army, were deployed to the scene. Officers attempting to restore order reportedly came under attack, with several crude bombs thrown in their direction. Eventually, mediation by local political leaders, including representatives from the BNP and the Krishak Dal, helped to de-escalate the situation. Traffic movement gradually resumed after 6:00 pm.

The injured were taken to Madaripur 250-bed District Hospital and other medical facilities. One victim, 26-year-old Hanif Sardar, was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition.

Authorities have stated that legal action will be taken against those responsible for violence, vandalism, and the use of illegal weapons.

Key Facts at a Glance

The incident has raised renewed concerns about law and order in the region, with local residents urging authorities to take decisive steps to prevent further violence and ensure lasting peace.