A clash between two groups over the formation of a mosque committee in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha has left one person dead and at least seven others injured.
The incident occurred on Friday after Jummah prayers in Maladhor village of Fulbari union.
The deceased, Shahidul Pradhan. 45, was a resident of Maladhor village and the son of Hasim Pradhan.
The accused, Majidul Islam. 50, also from the same village, is a police officer stationed in Rangpur. Family members alleged that Majidul attacked Shahidul with a stick and a sharp weapon, causing his death.
Police have detained three individuals in connection with the incident: Abdur Gafur, 38, Shakil Ahmed, 27, and Shafiul Sohag, 30, all from Maladhor village. Four of the injured individuals have been admitted to Gobindaganj Upazila Health Complex, but their identities remain unknown.
Locals and police reported that the Maladhor Jame Mosque serves worshippers from seven nearby villages. A longstanding disagreement over the mosque’s committee intensified recently between worshippers from the north and south sides of the village.
On Friday, the dispute erupted into violence after Jummah prayers when both groups clashed over the committee formation.
According to local witnesses Mehhedul Islam and Sirajul Islam, a meeting had been planned to discuss the selection of the mosque’s president and general secretary.
However, a heated argument broke out between Shahidul and Majidul.
The situation escalated when Majidul, accompanied by his supporters, allegedly attacked Shahidul with sticks and a sharp weapon.
Family members claimed that Shahidul, a day laborer, was not involved in the committee dispute and was an innocent victim.
They alleged that Majidul, who had previously served as the mosque president, formed a “pocket committee” with his preferred members and orchestrated the attack on Shahidul.
Gobindaganj police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Bulbul Islam confirmed the incident. Police were dispatched to the scene immediately, and the situation is now under control. Shahidul’s body has been sent to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital for an autopsy.