A clash broke out between two groups over a land-related dispute in Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat, leaving at least five people injured from both sides. The incident occurred around 10:00 am on Saturday (13 December) near the Shibpur Tower area under Shibpur Union.

Local sources said the dispute over the land had been ongoing for a long time. Several village arbitration meetings were held earlier, but no solution was reached. Although Saturday was scheduled for another arbitration, one group refused to accept the village settlement. As a result, local elders advised both sides to seek legal action through the court and urged them to remain calm until the issue was resolved.

After the arbitrators expressed their opinions and left the place in the morning, an argument broke out between the two groups. At one stage, both sides got involved in a clash using local weapons. At least five people were injured and were admitted to the Chitalmari Upazila Health Complex.

Injured Md. Shahidul Islam (46) alleged that he was attacked with a hammer by the opposing group. His cousin, Mehedi Hasan Russel Sheikh (30), was seriously injured. Other injured persons include Habib Sheikh (14) and Emlad Sheikh (25).

On the other hand, injured Md. Jasim Sheikh (25) from the opposing group told this correspondent that he was attacked with a sharp weapon and received stitches on his hand. He also said that Md. Farid Sheikh (60) and Monir Sheikh (50) were seriously injured in the attack.

Doctors at the hospital said that all five injured persons are now out of danger.

Regarding the incident, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chitalmari Police Station Md. Nazrul Islam said that police were sent to the spot after receiving a written complaint from one party. The matter is under investigation. He added that the situation in the area is currently calm and additional police patrols have been deployed. However, no case has been filed by either party yet.