A class-six student was critically injured after being hit by a bullet when gunfire erupted during an anti-drug human chain in Comilla's Katabil area on Thursday, triggering panic among residents and raising fresh concerns over public safety.
The victim, Ethan Ahmed, was struck by a bullet while leaving school during the lunch break to buy food. He was first taken to Comilla Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment after the bullet pierced his back and injured his lung, said Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Touhidul Anwar.
Acting Director of Comilla Medical College Hospital Mohammad Shahjahan said the bullet that struck the student in the back also injured his lung. As no ICU bed was immediately available, the student was given primary treatment and transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 2:30pm for advanced care.
The shooting took place around 1:30pm during a human chain organized by local residents protesting drug trafficking and violence in the area. Witnesses said a group of armed men attacked the gathering after the program ended, leading to a clash and gunfire between rival groups.
Police and local sources said the Katabil area has long been plagued by disputes over control of the local drug trade. Tensions had already escalated on Wednesday night between two rival groups, with reports of chases, counter-chases and crude bomb explosions.
Besides the student, at least four other people were injured in the clash and received treatment at local hospitals.
The incident sparked fear among residents, students and parents, with witnesses saying people ran for safety as gunshots rang out across the area.
Local resident Abdul Halim said the attack on the anti-drug human chain spread panic throughout the area and called for an end to drug trafficking.
The student's mother, Sonia Akter, demanded justice, saying her son was shot while going out to buy food during the lunch break.
Parent Mahabub Alam questioned how children could remain safe if gunfire erupts near schools.
OC Touhidul said the clash involved the local Opu Group and Sabbir Group over dominance in the local drug trade. No arrests had been made as of Thursday evening, though multiple police and detective teams were conducting operations to identify and apprehend those involved.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md Saiful Mallick said the situation was under control. He added that the injured student was expected to undergo surgery in Dhaka to remove the bullet.