At least 25 people were injured in a violent clash between residents of two villages in Gopinathpur, Hamirdi Union of Bhanga Upazila, Faridpur, over land disputes. The confrontation on Sunday afternoon also saw houses and shops vandalized and looted.
Local sources said the conflict traces back to a dispute between Simon Matubbar and Kuddus Matubbar on Friday, which escalated into a fistfight. A reconciliation meeting (shalish) was scheduled on Sunday, attended by mediators from nearby villages.
However, tensions escalated during the meeting, and villagers from both sides attacked each other with homemade weapons including shields, sharp sticks, machetes, and stones, wearing helmets for protection.
The violent clash continued along the road for around two hours, leaving more than 25 villagers injured. Seriously injured individuals were rushed to Bhanga and Faridpur Medical College Hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said residents from neighboring areas — Chhoto Hamirdi, Khara Kandi, and Baisha Khali — also joined the fight, taking sides with the two groups.
In the absence of effective law enforcement on-site, the clashes resulted in extensive property damage, with homes and shops broken into and valuables looted.
Bhanga police officer-in-charge Ashraf Hossain said the police arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the violence. “We found the situation uncontrollable and had to step back. Additional police and military personnel have been informed and are expected to help restore order,” he said.
