Violence and Arson Following Murder in Madaripur

A wave of retaliatory violence has swept through the “New Madaripur” area of Madaripur Sadar Upazila, following the brutal homicide of a local businessman. On Tuesday evening, mobs launched a series of coordinated attacks, detonating crude hand bombs and setting fire to several residential properties belonging to the opposition faction. The unrest began shortly after the funeral of 50-year-old Alamgir Howlader, who was murdered earlier that morning.

The Catalyst: A Gruesome Homicide

The cycle of violence was ignited at approximately 7:00 am on Tuesday when Alamgir Howlader, a cable and internet provider by profession, was ambushed and hacked to death. The assailants reportedly severed his right wrist during the assault. Alamgir, the son of the late Hafez Howlader, was a controversial figure in local politics; police records indicate he was a named accused in several criminal cases, including the high-profile murder of Shakil Munshi, the former president of the Sadar Upazila Sramik Dal.

Escalation and Arson

Following the murder, the primary suspect, Hasan Munshi, and his associates fled the area. Seizing this vacuum of authority, an aggrieved mob—allegedly supporters of the deceased—blocked major thoroughfares and descended upon the homes of the Munshi faction. Witnesses reported multiple explosions as hand bombs were used to clear the way for looting and arson.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Madaripur Sadar Model Thana, Abul Kalam Azad, confirmed that the situation spiralled out of control following the evening Iftar. “Approximately five to six houses were set ablaze, and numerous others were ransacked,” he stated. A joint task force comprising the Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the Army was deployed alongside the Fire Service to quell the flames and restore order.

Summary of Recent Political Violence in New Madaripur

The Roots of the Feud

The conflict is deeply embedded in a struggle for territorial dominance between two political dynasties. Historically, the area was controlled by Moniruzzaman Akter Howlader, a former Awami League councillor. However, following the political transition in August 2024, the Sramik Dal faction, led by the late Shakil Munshi, attempted to seize control.

The rivalry turned deadly in March 2025 when Shakil Munshi was killed during a clash over the formation of a local political committee. Alamgir Howlader, a cousin of Moniruzzaman, was implicated in that slaying. Recent weeks have seen at least ten nocturnal skirmishes involving “torchlight chases” and viral videos of explosives being used, culminating in Tuesday’s bloodshed.

Currently, a heavy security presence remains in the area to prevent further reprisals. One individual, identified as Masud Bepari (54), has been detained in connection with the morning’s murder.