Munshiganj (South) Correspondent

A clash erupted between two groups in Gazaria, Munshiganj  over establishing dominance in the area.

 During the clash, gunfire, cocktail explosions, vandalism of six houses, and arson of a motorcycle were reported. The conflict between the two groups in Hoglakandi village of Imampara Union continued intermittently from 8:30 PM to 12:00 am on Thursday night. However, no casualties were reported in the incident.

According to sources, there has been a long-standing conflict between the Amirul Islam Member group and the Lalu-Saikat group of Hoglakandi village in Imampara Union over various issues, including establishing dominance. Multiple clashes have occurred between them in the past. On April 6th of this month, two members of the Lalu-Saikat group, Al Amin and Renu Mia, were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by the Amirul Member group. In the case filed regarding this incident, the members of the Amirul Member group recently received bail.

Following these events, both sides engaged in a clash around 8:30 PM on Thursday. Members of the Amirul Member group allegedly attacked and vandalized the houses of Lalu-Saikat group members. During the clash, a rumor spread that a member of the Amirul Member group had been killed, further escalating the situation. Shortly after, members of the Lalu-Saikat group retaliated by attacking the supporters of Amirul Member. They vandalized a house and set a motorcycle on fire. Gunfire and cocktail explosions occurred between both sides. The sounds of gunfire and explosions were heard intermittently throughout the night.

Local resident Mehedi Hasan stated that he heard three to four explosions but could not confirm whether they were gunshots or cocktail explosions. Terrified residents remained inside their homes.

Fatema Begum, a local eyewitness, expressed her frustration, saying that they were fed up with the two groups who frequently engage in fights and shootings. She mentioned hearing gunshots at intervals between 8:30 PM and 12:00 AM on Thursday night.

Saikat, from the Lalu-Saikat group, claimed that they rarely stay at home due to various reasons. He alleged that Amirul Member's group attacked and vandalized their houses upon learning of their potential return on Thursday night. He further stated that the houses of their supporters, namely Sohel, Noor Mohammad, Ahmad Ali, Bachchu, and Ali Ahmad, were vandalized, and several rounds were fired at their people.

Regarding the allegations, Amirul Islam Member stated that the Lalu-Saikat group, equipped with modern weapons, launched two attacks on them. He claimed that initially, 10-15 terrorists suddenly started firing at their people, causing panic and scattering. He added that after a while, they attacked again, vandalizing a house and setting a motorcycle on fire. He said that the attackers fled upon the arrival of the police.

Gojaria Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Shahidul Islam confirmed receiving news of the clash and immediately went to the scene. He stated that the perpetrators fled as soon as they sensed the presence of the police. While he could not specify the number of rounds fired, he confirmed the recovery of bullet casings and crude bombs from the scene. He also mentioned that no arrests were made, and no casualties were reported to his knowledge. He added that the process of filing a case was underway.