Student Killed in Raipura Faction Clash

A 14-year-old schoolboy, Mustakim Mia, was fatally shot amid a violent clash between rival factions in Raipura Upazila, Narsingdi. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning (4 February) around 6:00 am in the riverside Char area of Saidabad within the Shreenagar Union.

Mustakim, the son of Saudi-based expatriate Masud Rana, was a seventh-grade student at a local school. Police and local sources reported that longstanding disputes over territorial dominance between two factions had escalated into armed confrontations. Previous clashes in the area have already claimed at least eight lives, including women, alongside incidents of property damage and looting.

The factions are reportedly led by Hanif Master and Ershad Mia, respectively. According to police reports, supporters of Ershad Mia launched an early morning attack on the residence of Hanif Master’s followers, armed with both improvised and firearms. When the other faction attempted to defend themselves, violent exchanges broke out.

During the confrontation, Mustakim was struck by a bullet fired by Masum, alias “China,” the nephew of former Union Parishad member Firoz Mia from Ershad’s faction. He was rushed to Raipura Upazila Health Complex, where doctors pronounced him dead at the scene.

At least ten people were injured during the clash, including three confirmed gunshot victims:

The identities of the remaining seven injured individuals are yet to be confirmed.

Reacting to her son’s death, Mustakim’s mother, Shahana Begum, said: “My son had stepped into the courtyard in the morning when Masum, the nephew of the former UP member, fired at him. We are not affiliated with any group. I want justice for the person who has taken my child’s life.”

Dr Bimal Chandra Dhar of Raipura Upazila Health Complex’s emergency department reported that Mustakim was brought in with a gunshot wound to the left side of his body. The bullet had passed through, causing fatal injuries.

Raipura police chief, OC Md. Mujibur Rahman, confirmed the incident, stating: “Additional police forces have been deployed in the area. We are conducting operations to identify and apprehend those involved. The exact number of injured is yet to be confirmed.”

Authorities have mobilised police, military, and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to maintain law and order in Saidabad. Officials report that the situation is currently under control, although tensions remain high in the locality.