Third Day of Clashes Over Interest Dispute Leaves 20 Injured

Violence erupted for a third consecutive day in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila on Tuesday after a dispute over unpaid interest money escalated into prolonged clashes between residents of two neighbouring villages, leaving at least 20 people injured and disrupting road communications in the area.

The latest round of fighting began at around 9:00 am in the Kalikachchh Bazar area, where residents of Suryakandi and Dharanti villages repeatedly engaged in violent confrontations throughout the morning. According to local sources, both groups were armed with traditional weapons and exchanged attacks in several phases despite the continued presence of law enforcement personnel.

Witnesses and local residents alleged that during the clashes, members of both sides vandalised and looted several shops and houses belonging to rival villagers. The unrest also brought traffic to a complete standstill on the Sarail–Nasirnagar–Lakhai road, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and local businesses.

Police and local sources said the conflict originated from a financial dispute involving an alleged interest payment. Mosharaf Mia, a resident of Suryakandi village, claimed that he was owed Tk100,000 in interest by Mohammad Khadim, a resident of neighbouring Dharanti village. The disagreement reportedly intensified after Khadim refused to pay the claimed amount.

The dispute first turned violent on Sunday night when residents from the two villages became involved in a fierce clash. During that confrontation, Khadim was killed, dramatically heightening tensions between the communities.

The violence continued on Monday following Khadim’s funeral prayers. Fresh clashes broke out shortly after the funeral, lasting for nearly three hours. At least 25 people were injured in that incident, including Sarail Police Station Officer-in-Charge Manjur Kader Bhuiyan, as rival groups attacked one another with locally made weapons.

Despite police efforts to restore order, hostilities flared up once again on Tuesday morning, marking the third straight day of unrest. Security personnel remained deployed in the area as authorities attempted to prevent further escalation and bring the situation under control.

Officer-in-Charge Manjur Kader Bhuiyan said intermittent clashes were still taking place and that police were continuing operations to stabilise the situation. He added that law enforcement officers were working to disperse the rival groups and prevent additional violence.

The series of clashes has heightened concern among local residents, many of whom fear that the prolonged conflict could lead to further casualties and property damage if tensions are not quickly contained. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests or confirmed additional legal action in connection with the incidents.