Five Killed in Noakhali Land Clash

At least five people were killed and more than ten others injured in a fierce gun battle over land ownership on a remote char (riverine island) in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali district, underscoring once again the deadly consequences of long-running disputes over newly emerged land along Bangladesh’s coastline.

The violence erupted in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 December, on Jaglar Char, where rival factions led by Shamshuddin and Alauddin clashed over control of land locally referred to as “char dakhól”. According to local sources, gunfire broke out shortly before dawn when armed men from both sides confronted each other, turning the isolated settlement into a battlefield.

Those killed were identified as Shamshuddin, also known as Kopa Shamshu, his son Mobarak Hossain, an associate known as Jumma Dakait, and Alauddin, a rival leader. Another victim’s identity was still being verified by the authorities. Alauddin’s body was later taken to the morgue of the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Jaglar Char is currently home to several hundred landless families. Local residents report that roughly half of the land on the char is classified as government-owned (khas), while the remainder consists of privately claimed or disputed property. For years, Shamshuddin’s group, allegedly backed by former Hareni Union chairman Mushfiq and an influential local figure known as Farid Commander, had controlled large portions of the char. The land was reportedly sold to landless families for between Tk 22,000 and Tk 25,000 per acre.

Tensions escalated recently after disputes arose over the distribution of proceeds from these sales. In response, a rival armed group led by Alauddin, along with notorious figures Kawya Kamal and Nizam Member, reportedly entered the char with 20 to 25 armed men early on Tuesday in an attempt to seize control.

A prolonged exchange of gunfire followed. Witnesses said that Shamshuddin’s men eventually retreated under heavy fire. During the chaos, Alauddin was shot, after which retaliatory attacks left Shamshuddin, his son, and several associates shot, hacked, and beaten. Five people ultimately succumbed to their injuries.

Although the incident occurred at dawn, law enforcement agencies, including police and the Coast Guard, were only able to reach the scene at around 4:30 pm due to the area’s extreme remoteness and poor access.

Hatiya Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md Saiful Alam, confirmed the recovery of five bodies and said that security forces had launched operations along nearby river routes to arrest those involved. Investigations are ongoing.

Summary of Casualties

The incident has renewed concerns about lawlessness and violent land disputes in char areas, where weak administration and competing claims continue to place vulnerable communities at risk.