At least 100, including 3 cops, injured in Faridpur clash over football match; 3 detained

More than a hundred people, including three police officers, were injured in a clash between residents of two villages in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur yesterday (3 April).

Police have so far detained three individuals in connection with the incident.

The clash began yesterday afternoon at Munsurabad bus stand area under Hamirdi union, reportedly triggered by a dispute over a football match and long-standing enmity.

Confirming the matter, Bhanga Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Al Amin Mia said police responded promptly after receiving reports of violence and informed higher authorities.

Additional law enforcement personnel were deployed from Faridpur to restore order, he added.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Bhanga Circle) Md Rezwan Dipu confirmed that the situation is now under control, with extra police deployed in the area.

No case has been filed yet in connection with the incident, he said.

According to locals, the situation had been brewing for days following an argument between youths from Munsurabad and neighbouring Khapura village over a football match.

The situation escalated yesterday afternoon when two youths from Khapura were allegedly beaten by individuals from Munsurabad.

In retaliation, residents of Khapura allegedly attacked and assaulted Jinnat Molla, president of the Munsurabad Market Committee.

Later in the evening, both groups engaged in a clash using locally made weapons such as sticks, sharp tools and bricks.

According to witnesses, the attackers used torchlights in the dark to target each other. Police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control, but around 30 people were injured in the initial violence.

However, the conflict reignited this morning (4 April) around 7am, spreading to the Dhaka-Khulna highway near Munsurabad market.

Chases and counter-chases between the two groups disrupted traffic for nearly 30 minutes. The violence intensified as participants threw bricks and glass bottles from rooftops and shops, turning the area into a "battlefield".

Despite police presence, authorities struggled to contain the escalating situation. Several shops were reportedly vandalised and looted during the unrest.

Witnesses reported that attackers hurled bricks and bottles "like rain" from rooftops and hidden positions. The clash left over 100 supporters from both sides injured, along with three police members.

The injured were taken to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex and various local clinics for treatment.