The local administration has imposed Section 144 following violent clashes between residents of two villages in Tangail that left one person dead and resulted in arson and widespread vandalism. The order came into effect late Thursday night amid fears of further deterioration of law and order.
The restrictions have been imposed in Hemnagar Union of Gopalpur Upazila and Jagatkura village of Bhuapur Upazila and will remain in force until further notice. Additional police have been deployed to the affected areas.
According to administrative sources, tensions between the residents of the two villages remain extremely high, prompting authorities to enforce Section 144 from 11:00 pm on Thursday for an indefinite period.
Under the order, all forms of unlawful assembly, slogans, processions, picketing, carrying of sticks, weapons, explosives, and other dangerous materials have been prohibited within a 200-yard radius of the affected areas.
Bhuapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sabbir Rahman said that around 10 to 12 police personnel were injured while attempting to bring the situation under control. The injured officers received primary medical treatment. He added that fresh clashes broke out again yesterday.
Gopalpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Lailatul Hossain said the restrictions under Section 144 would remain in place until the situation returns to normal.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, repeated clashes between residents of Gol Pecha village in Gopalpur Upazila and Jagatkura village in Bhuapur Upazila resulted in the death of Kalam Talukdar, 65. Several others were also injured in the violence.
During the clashes, at least 11 houses were set on fire, while more than 50 shops were reportedly looted and vandalized.
Local sources said the conflict originated about a month ago over a dispute involving an outstanding payment, which eventually escalated into the deadly clash.
