At least 50 people, including an officer-in-charge (OC), were injured in a violent clash between supporters of a union parishad chairman and a panel chairman in Baniachong upazila of Habiganj on Monday.
The incident took place in Kalainjura village of Bariuri Union, according to police and local sources.
Police said the conflict stemmed from a dispute over the chairmanship of the union parishad. The elected chairman, Farid Mia—also the union Awami League president—had been jailed in a case related to the July movement. During his absence, Ward No. 5 member Kafil Uddin, a local Jubo Dal leader, was serving as acting chairman.
Farid Mia was recently released from jail and reinstated to his post following a high court order. However, Kafil Uddin allegedly delayed handing over the responsibilities, leading to rising tensions.
In the morning, while Chairman Farid Mia began distributing VGF rice at the union parishad office, Panel Chairman Kafil Uddin reportedly obstructed him. Supporters of both sides then engaged in a violent clash that continued from around 10am to 1pm. The two groups reportedly used local weapons, leaving around 50 people injured.
Informed of the incident, police from Baniachong Police Station rushed to the scene. Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Nazmul Haque was injured along with four other officers during the operation.
Police said they used tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and sound grenades to disperse the warring groups and bring the situation under control.
Baniachong Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Prabas Kumar Singh said the clash erupted due to a long-standing dispute over control of the union parishad. He added that additional police have been deployed in the area and the situation is now under control.
