Sunamganj-1 MP among 50 injured in clash over land dispute in Chhatak

At least 50 people, including the member of parliament (MP) for Sunamganj-1 constituency, were injured in a clash between two groups over a land dispute in Chhatak upazila of Sunamganj last night (8 May).

The clash broke out at Jauwabazar on the Sunamganj-Sylhet highway, which lasted for nearly two and a half hours.

Residents of two neighbouring villages took part in the clash using locally made weapons and torchlights in the darkness, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway.

Sunamganj-1 MP Kamruzzaman Kamrul, who was caught in the resulting traffic jam while passing through the area, attempted to intervene and tried to calm the groups.

However, he was injured after being hit by bricks thrown from both sides before he could reach the spot. He received primary treatment at the nearby Koitok Hospital.

Law enforcement agencies eventually brought the situation under control after around two and a half hours with the intervention of the MP and efforts by joint forces.

According to police and local sources, the conflict stems from a year-old land transaction between Mohammad Ali, a resident of Konapara, and Afroz Miah, a former Union Parishad chairman from Khidrakhapan village.

Ali reportedly purchased land from Afroz, but the registration remained incomplete despite repeated requests.

The situation escalated following an altercation and a chase-and-counter-chase between the two groups on Thursday and yesterday afternoon.

Last night, hundreds of men from both sides, armed with locally made weapons, were involved in another violent clash. More than 50 supporters from both groups were injured during the clash.

Abdul Kabir, in-charge of Jauwa Police Outpost, said the clash was believed to have originated from the unresolved land registration dispute.

He said many people from both groups were injured in the prolonged violence. However, no complaint had been filed with the police station as of this afternoon.