Elderly Van Driver Dies After Factional Clash in Jhenaidah

An elderly van driver who was critically injured during a violent clash linked to a dispute over local influence in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila has died while being transferred to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment.

The deceased, Eken Molla, 65, was a resident of Bogura village under Bogura Union in Shailkupa upazila. He was the son of the late Adalat Molla. According to local sources, he was known to be a supporter of former Bogura Union chairman and BNP leader Rakibul Islam Khan Dipu.

The fatal incident stemmed from a confrontation that took place on 28 June in Bogura village, where rival factions allegedly associated with the BNP became involved in a violent clash. Local residents and police said the dispute was fuelled by longstanding tensions over political dominance and allegations relating to the influence of illegal drug activities in the area. During the violence, Eken Molla sustained severe injuries.

Following the attack, local people rescued him and rushed him to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex for emergency treatment. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Kushtia General Hospital for specialised care. Medical authorities later referred him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday after his health worsened further.

However, he died shortly after midnight while being transported to the capital, before he could reach the hospital.

The incident has heightened tensions in the locality, although law enforcement authorities said the overall situation remains under control. Police have increased their presence in the area to prevent any further unrest and to maintain public order.

Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla of Shailkupa Police Station confirmed the death, stating that the victim had succumbed to injuries sustained during the clash over local influence. He added that police were conducting operations to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.

The death marks the latest development in the violent confrontation that has drawn attention to factional rivalries in the area. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that legal action will be taken against everyone found to have been involved in the incident. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while the investigation proceeds and have assured that those responsible will be brought before the law.