One Killed in Chitalmari Clash

A violent clash between two rival groups over establishing local dominance in Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat has left one young man dead and at least 15 others injured, while multiple houses were looted and set ablaze in a night of widespread unrest.

The confrontation erupted on Thursday evening (26 March) in Chingaria village under Kolatala union and continued intermittently from evening until around 9pm. The clash involved supporters of the so-called Bishwas group and Sheikh group, longstanding local factions reportedly engaged in a dispute over land and influence.

Fatality and Rising Violence

The deceased was identified as Rajib Sheikh (20), son of Faruk Sheikh of the same village. According to local sources, he sustained fatal injuries during the violent exchanges between the two groups. At least 15 other people were also injured, many of whom were later taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Residents described scenes of panic as the clashes escalated, with armed groups reportedly attacking homes and engaging in acts of arson and vandalism.

Houses Torched and Properties Damaged

Eyewitnesses and local residents alleged that during the violence, attackers vandalised multiple properties and set fire to at least 10 houses in the village. Several families were forced to flee their homes as flames spread through parts of the settlement.

Fire Service personnel were deployed to the area to bring the blaze under control; however, initial efforts were reportedly hampered due to the intensity of the fire and continuing unrest in the vicinity.

Security forces, including police units, initially struggled to contain the situation as the violence unfolded rapidly and involved large groups of people.

Casualties and Damage Overview

Military Deployment Restores Order

As the situation escalated beyond local control, army personnel were deployed to the scene, alongside additional police reinforcements. The combined presence of security forces eventually brought the situation under control and prevented further escalation.

Authorities later confirmed that order had been restored, although tension remained high in the area following the violence.

Longstanding Local Dispute

According to local residents, the conflict stems from a prolonged rivalry between the group led by Saeed Bishwas and supporters of retired police officer Sheikh Monjurul Alam. The dispute has reportedly revolved around land control, local influence, and political dominance within the area.

The latest violence is believed to be a continuation of earlier clashes. On 28 January, a previous confrontation between the two factions in the Liuchhtola area resulted in the death of Nazim Uddin, a member of the Bishwas group, further deepening hostility between the rival sides.

Law Enforcement Response

Following the latest incident, Bagerhat Superintendent of Police Md Hasan Chowdhury visited the affected area to assess the situation and oversee security measures.

Chitalmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Nazrul Islam confirmed that one person had been killed and multiple houses had been set on fire. He added that additional police and army personnel have been deployed to prevent further clashes and maintain law and order in the area.

Authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing, while efforts continue to identify those responsible for the violence and bring them to justice.

Ongoing Tension in the Area

Although the immediate situation has been brought under control, residents remain anxious about the possibility of renewed clashes. Security forces are maintaining a heightened presence in the area as part of precautionary measures.

Officials have urged local residents to cooperate with law enforcement and refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions in the already volatile region.