Nine injured as rival groups clash in Munshiganj ahead of polls

A clash broke out between two rival groups in Sirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj on the eve of the 13th national election and referendum, leaving at least nine people injured, including four who were struck with locally made spears.

The incident took place at the Gazi Market area in East Chanderchar under Baluchar union this afternoon (11 February).

Confirming the incident, Sirajdikhan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Hannan said the clash stemmed from prior enmity and a minor incident between the two rival groups.

The injured include Imran, 28, Liton, 48, Sohag, 35, and Riaz, 20, OC Hannan said.

According to local sources, four to five others were also injured.

Riaz and Imran, who sustained serious injuries, were first taken to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital (Mitford) in Dhaka. As their condition deteriorated, they were later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

Locals said there had been a longstanding dispute over dominance in East Chanderchar village between the groups led by Kalaichan Madbar and Zahiruddin. Ahead of the election, that rivalry reportedly escalated.

At noon today, Sohag, a member of the Zahiruddin group, went to Gazi Market to carry out pipe filter work when several members of the Kalaichan group allegedly attacked him with local weapons, including spears and machetes.

When Sohag was being rescued, another clash broke out between the two sides, leaving several more people injured, including victims struck by spears, as per the locals.

Regarding the incident, OC Abdul Hannan said, "Police have been deployed at the scene. The situation is under control and legal action is being taken."