A 72-year-old woman was killed and at least four people were injured in a violent clash between two groups over an outstanding business payment in Mahmudpur, Narayanganj, on Monday night.
The deceased, Maksuda Begum, was a resident of the area and the wife of the late Nazir Sardar. The incident took place on 12 October in Ward 20 of Narayanganj City Corporation.
According to the victim’s relatives and police sources, Maksuda’s son, Joj Mia, had sold two truckloads of iron to a local businessman named Saddam for use at a steel mill. Saddam allegedly owed Joj Mia approximately Tk 10 million for the consignment.
On Monday night, Joj Mia went to Saddam to demand payment, accompanied by his mother, Maksuda Begum, and his brother, Russell. A heated argument reportedly broke out between the two sides over the outstanding amount.
The disagreement soon escalated into a physical confrontation, with members of both groups allegedly engaging in a clash involving sharp weapons. During the violence, Maksuda Begum and her son Russell sustained serious injuries from blows inflicted with sharp weapons. Saddam, who was on the opposing side, was also injured. Several other people were reportedly hurt in the confrontation.
Local residents rescued the injured and took them to Bandar Upazila Health Complex. Doctors at the facility declared Maksuda Begum dead upon arrival. The other seriously injured individuals received initial treatment before being transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital later that night for further medical care.
Jamal Uddin, officer-in-charge of Bandar Police Station, said the clash and killing stemmed from a dispute over outstanding business payments. Police visited the scene after receiving information about the incident.
The victim’s body was recovered and sent to the morgue at Narayanganj General Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
Police are preparing to file a case and have launched an operation to identify and arrest those involved in the violence. However, no confirmed information about any arrests was available at the time of reporting.
Investigators are expected to examine how the dispute over the alleged Tk 10 million debt escalated into a fatal confrontation. They will also seek to establish the roles of those involved and determine the circumstances that led to the elderly woman’s death.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents, highlighting the potentially devastating consequences of disputes over business transactions when disagreements turn violent. The police investigation is ongoing.
