Rajbari Village Clashes Turn Deadly

A violent clash between residents of two villages in Pangsha Upazila, within Rajbari District, has left one man dead, several injured, and widespread destruction of property including arson, looting, and vandalism.

The deceased, 55-year-old Jamin Biswas, son of the late Hossain Ali Biswas from Dhepa Majail village under Pata Union, died on Sunday night at around 8 pm while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. He had earlier been critically injured during a series of retaliatory attacks linked to a dispute over local dominance and land measurement.

Following his death, tensions escalated sharply in the area. Homes belonging to rival villagers were attacked overnight, with reports of extensive vandalism, theft of household goods, and even livestock being taken away. By Monday morning, the situation in the locality remained highly volatile, with fears of further violence.

Background to the dispute

According to local accounts, the unrest began on Thursday when a land surveying exercise in Daribangalat village of Kashbamajail Union triggered an altercation. Residents of Dhepa Majail allegedly clashed with supporters of Hakim Mandal from Daribangalat village.

The confrontation escalated when Motiur Biswas of Dhepa Majail was allegedly humiliated by Hakim Mandal and his associates. In retaliation, Motiur Biswas’s supporters confronted Hakim Mandal the following Saturday, leading to further humiliation and deepening hostility between the two sides.

Fatal escalation

On Sunday morning, tensions reached a breaking point when supporters of Hakim Mandal reportedly attempted to cross a canal and approach the residence of Majid Biswas in Dhepa Majail village. Members of the opposing group, including Jamin Biswas, intervened to block their advance. During the confrontation, Jamin Biswas was severely hacked with sharp weapons and critically injured, while two to three others sustained injuries of varying severity.

He was first taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, but due to the deterioration of his condition, he was transferred to a hospital in Dhaka later that afternoon. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Retaliatory violence and damage

News of his death triggered immediate retaliation. Groups from Dhepa Majail reportedly attacked houses in Daribangalat village, resulting in widespread destruction. Several homes were ransacked and set on fire, while personal belongings and livestock were looted. Law enforcement confirmed that the violence spread rapidly through the night before partially subsiding by morning.

Summary of key incidents

Police from Pangsla Model Police Station confirmed the developments and stated that the situation had been brought under observation. Authorities are reportedly monitoring the area closely to prevent further escalation and restore order.