6 injured, 13 houses burnt in Madaripur clash

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Dasar upazila of Madaripur over local dominance and land disputes, leaving at least six people injured and 13 homes set on fire and looted.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening (January 14) in Khatial village of Baligram Union. Upon receiving the information, police, fire service personnel, and members of the army rushed to the scene, brought the fire under control, and restored order.

Among the injured, the condition of Abbas Chowdhury (47) of the Khatial area is critical. He was initially admitted to Madaripur 250-bed District Hospital and later referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

According to police, fire service, and local sources, a long-standing dispute over land ownership and local dominance had been ongoing between the groups led by Abul Jamaddar and Abbas Chowdhury in the Khatial area. As a result, the two sides clashed on Wednesday, using locally made weapons. During the clash, incidents of chasing and counter-chasing took place, and crude hand-bomb explosions were also reported.

At one stage, Abbas Chowdhury was found alone and was brutally attacked with sharp weapons by members of the rival group, leaving him critically injured. As news of the attack spread, tensions in the area escalated further. Subsequently, supporters of Abbas Chowdhury gathered and launched attacks on the homes of Abul Jamaddar and his relatives, carrying out looting and arson.

In the incident, a total of 13 houses—including those of Abul Jamaddar, Anwar Jamaddar, Bellal Jamaddar, and Siraj Jamaddar—were reduced to ashes. At least six people from both sides were injured while trying to extinguish the fires and prevent further attacks.

Bellal Jamaddar, whose house was damaged in the fire, said, “Saving our lives became the only concern. We had no chance to remove any belongings. Thirteen houses belonging to our extended family were completely burned down, causing losses estimated at around Tk 150 million. We demand proper justice for this incident.”

Regarding the matter, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Investigation) Jahangir Alam said, “A long-standing dispute over local dominance and land issues has existed between the Abul and Abbas groups. There have been previous incidents of chasing and counter-chasing as well. On Wednesday, the conflict escalated into a major clash, during which 13 residential houses belonging to the Anwar–Abul group were set on fire. The situation is currently under control, and legal action will be taken against those involved.”