Rivalry Leads to Shooting in Brahmanbaria

Three people were injured in a public shooting in Brahmanbaria on Thursday evening, an incident believed to be the result of an ongoing dispute between two rival groups. The attack occurred at around 6:45 p.m. in the Kandipara area of the town, causing panic among residents of the busy neighbourhood.

The injured have been identified as Tutul Mia (46), Md Shihab Uddin, also known as Soeb (27), and Md Sanju (22), all residents of Kandipara. According to local sources, the three men were standing in front of Popular Press on Madrasa Road, drinking tea with a few others, when a group of assailants suddenly arrived and opened fire. The victims were struck by pellets and collapsed on the roadside. Witnesses rushed them to Brahmanbaria General Hospital for treatment.

Tutul Mia later alleged that he was targeted because he had previously spoken out against the misdeeds of a local political figure, Sakil Sikder. Meanwhile, Dr Nur Ibne Bin Sifat of the hospital’s emergency department confirmed that one of the victims had between 20 and 25 rubber pellets lodged in his leg. Although none of the injuries were life-threatening, doctors noted that surgery might be required to remove the pellets.

Sakil Sikder, a resident of Kandipara and a joint convenor of the Farmers’ Wing in the Sadar Upazila, denied involvement. He claimed that the allegations were fabricated and politically motivated.

Local sources reported that Tutul and Shihab are supporters of Delwar Hossain (Dilip), convenor of the district Swechchhasebak Dal, hinting at political rivalry behind the attack. Delwar stated that he had heard Sakil and a few of his associates were responsible.

Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Azharul Islam confirmed that tension between the two groups had been escalating. He added that the attack appeared to be linked to a struggle for dominance in the area, though police were still verifying whether live ammunition or rubber bullets were used. A formal investigation is under way.