A dispute over local road damage caused by heavy fish transport vehicles degenerated into a violent clash between two rival groups in Kendua Upazila of Netrokona on Wednesday morning, leaving at least 30 people injured, including women.
The confrontation erupted in Chitua Naopara village, situated within the Paikura Union of Kendua. Tensions mounted after Abdur Rahman, a resident who runs a commercial fish farm in the area, began transporting harvested fish using heavy goods vehicles. Sunu Mia, a neighbour from the same village, strongly objected to the transport operations, alleging that the laden lorries were destroying the village’s rural access road.
What began as a heated verbal altercation quickly escalated. Supporters from both factions armed themselves with native weapons—including wooden bamboo sticks, spears, and sharp tools—and engaged in a fierce brawl that lasted for nearly an hour across the village thoroughfares. The violence created widespread panic among local residents until police units arrived at the scene to restore order and disperse the crowd.
Emergency responders and local residents rushed the injured to medical facilities across the region. Six individuals suffering from severe injuries—identified as Nazrul Islam, 50; Babul Mia, 55; Sohel Mia, 35; Sijalk Mia, 52; Bokula Khatun, 60; and Bachchu Mia, 45—were transferred directly to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for specialized medical care. A further 13 individuals received emergency treatment at the Kendua Upazila Health Complex, whilst remaining victims sought first aid at local clinics.
Transport infrastructure in rural agrarian communities frequently comes under strain due to the commercial expansion of regional aquaculture and agricultural trade. Unpaved and narrow village roads, primarily designed for light traffic and foot passengers, often deteriorate rapidly when subjected to heavy commercial transport, creating friction between business operators and local residents.
Kendua Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Tariqul Islam, confirmed that police intervened swiftly to bring the situation under control. He added that law enforcement officers are currently monitoring the village to prevent further retaliatory violence, and that formal legal proceedings will be initiated once written complaints are submitted by the affected parties.
