Torchlight-wielding residents of 12 villages clash in Habiganj; no cases, arrests after 3 days
Dozens, including three policemen, were injured in the clash
No cases have been filed and no one arrested three days after the residents of 12 villages clashed over the purchase of a motorcycle battery in Habiganj's Bahubal upazila, although the incident left at least 60 injured, including three policemen.
The clash took place at Mirpur Bazar area of the upazila on the evening of 1 April, where villagers used torchlights during the three-hour-long confrontation.
Videos of the incident have been circulating on social media since then.
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Speaking to The Business Standard today (5 April), Bahubal Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahidul Islam said, "No case has been filed yet, and no one has been arrested so far. Local influential figures are trying to resolve the matter through negotiation."
When asked why no case was filed despite police injuries, the OC said it was due to requests from local dignitaries.
However, a police source told TBS that several individuals were initially detained following the incident but were later released under pressure from local political leaders.
Dr Saumitra Chakraborty, deputy director of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital said 25 people who were critically injured in the clash were admitted to the hospital. "10–12 people are still undergoing treatment."
According to eyewitnesses, the conflict began around 6pm on 1 April, when Akash, a young businessman from Baniagaon village, got into an argument with Rasel of Chargao village over the purchase of a motorcycle battery.
The altercation quickly escalated, drawing in supporters from nearby villages. Eight villages sided with Baniagaon, while four villages supported Chargao, turning the dispute into a full-scale regional clash.
Due to the lack of lighting in the area, villagers used torchlights to identify and attack one another. Several shops in Mirpur Bazar were also vandalised.
Upon receiving the news, police from Bahubal Police Station initially attempted to stop the clash but failed. Later, a joint operation by the Bangladesh Army and police brought the situation under control around 9pm.
