Bhairab market naming dispute sparks 6-hour clash, one killed

One person was killed and over 50 others injured in a six-hour clash between residents of two villages in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, over the naming of a local market. The deceased has been identified as Masud Mia (30), an auto-rickshaw driver from Mirarchar village.

The clash erupted between residents of Akbarnagar and Mirarchar villages in Kalikaprasad Union around 8am on Monday (July 27) and continued intermittently until 2pm. At least 20 of the injured were admitted to Bhairab Upazila Health Complex.

Locals said both sides armed with sticks and local weapons clashed in the village field. Police were deployed to the spot to control the situation.

Dr Umme Habiba of the emergency department at Bhairab Upazila Health Complex said Masud Mia was brought to the hospital around 9:30am but had already died before arrival. With no visible bleeding, it is believed he was beaten to death.

The clash also disrupted train services on the Bhairab-Mymensingh rail line from 10am. Bhairab Station Master Yusuf said the rail line passes through the villages, and traffic was suspended for passenger safety as the railway tracks were being used by the clashing groups.

As a result, the intercity Bijoy Express from Jamalpur to Chattogram was stranded at Kuliar Char station, and the intercity Egar Sindhur Express from Dhaka to Kishoreganj was stuck at Bhairab station.

The dispute over the market's name dates back to 2023 when the Roads and Highways Department installed a signboard naming it 'Akbarnagar Bazar'. Mirarchar villagers protested and broke the signboard, leading to clashes that left many injured. While the situation was calmed through administrative and political intervention, tensions persisted and flared up again recently.

On Sunday, local MP and State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam held a meeting with representatives from both villages, deciding to form a committee with 10 members from each side to finalise the market's name.

Bhairab Police Station Officer-in-Chief Limon Bose said police and RAB are working jointly to control the situation. Bhairab Circle Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Abu Musa Sheikh said additional police forces have been deployed, confirming one death and over 50 injuries so far.