Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)

At least 10 people were injured in two clashes between two groups of traders in Kalapara, Patuakhali, over an attempt to molest a speech-impaired woman. Seven people have been treated at Kalapara Hospital in the incident. Shops have been closed indefinitely. The incidents took place on Friday morning and Thursday night at Banati Bazar in Lalua Union of the upazila.

According to local sources, on Thursday afternoon, the speech-impaired woman was walking in front of the salon of a person named Ramoni (40) in the market. At that time, he pulled the woman's hand and entered the salon and tried to molest her. Other businessmen saw the matter and sat down to resolve it around 10 pm. Later, when the locals wanted to fine her 6,000 taka and take her into the custody of the village police, they did not agree, so local businessman Jewel wanted to take her into custody. Rubel Hawlader, president of the Banati Bazar Businessmen's Association, had an argument with Jewel over the matter and a fight broke out. Two to three people, including Rubel Hawlader, were injured in the incident. When the businessmen closed about 350 shops in the morning and went to the market to demand justice for the incident, the two groups clashed again. At least 8 people, including Jewel, Zubair, Imran, Monir and Kamal from both groups, were injured in the incident.

Hemayet Uddin Hiron, advisor to the Banati Bazar Traders Association, said that if the entire incident is not investigated, the shops will remain closed indefinitely.

Kalapara Police Station OC Md. Nazrul Islam said that legal action will be taken if a written complaint is received regarding the incident.