A violent clash broke out between two factions of Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal in Rupganj, Narayanganj, over territorial control and ownership of a marketplace.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Sawghat area of Golakandail Union, involved stone-throwing, gunfire, and destruction of property. During the chaos, a jeep and 10 motorcycles were vandalized and set on fire.
Two individuals, Rafi Ahmed Swapan and Raju Bhuiyan, were shot and critically injured, along with at least 20 others from both sides. The injured were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
According to local sources and eyewitnesses, a dispute over ownership of the Bismillah Market near the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway has been ongoing between Japan-Bangladesh Group Chairman Selim Prodhan and local businessman Mujibur Rahman.
Mujibur Rahman claims that he rented the land from Selim Prodhan under a 10-year lease agreement, later developing the area by filling it with sand and constructing a shed for a wholesale market. However, he alleges that Selim Prodhan has been attempting to seize the property using force.
On the other hand, Selim Prodhan asserts that Mujibur Rahman forged a fake lease agreement and has illegally occupied the land.
The conflict escalated on Tuesday when Masudur Rahman, a former vice-president of the district Chhatra Dal and an ally of Selim Prodhan, stationed his supporters near Selim’s house. Meanwhile, Rafiq Islam, a joint convener of the district Swechchhasebak Dal, led a rally along the road adjacent to the market, protesting extortion and terrorism.
Tensions flared when stones were thrown from inside Selim Prodhan’s house at the rally participants, leading to a violent confrontation. Both sides engaged in stone-throwing, gunfire, and a physical brawl, leaving the area in turmoil. Eyewitnesses reported seeing several individuals armed with pistols firing shots during the clash.
The violence resulted in injuries to at least 20 people, with Raju and Swapan sustaining gunshot wounds. They were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. During the confrontation, Selim Prodhan’s jeep was set on fire, and 10 motorcycles were vandalized and burned.
The unrest forced the closure of nearby markets, including Gausia Market, Tant Bazar, and Haji Shopping Complex, creating panic among residents and shopkeepers.
In response, a joint force led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saiful Islam intervened to bring the situation under control.
Speaking about the incident, Rafiq Islam claimed, We were peacefully marching against extortion and terrorism when we were suddenly attacked with stones, gunfire, and physical violence by the other group.
Masudur Rahman denied involvement, stating, I was not present at the scene, but I heard that my supporters were attacked by criminals, leaving many injured, including some with gunshot wounds.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mehedi Islam commented, The dispute between Selim Prodhan and Mujibur Rahman over the Bismillah Market has been ongoing for some time. We have inspected the site, and while no formal complaint has been filed yet, we are working to recover weapons used during the incident. No arrests have been made so far.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam added, After visiting the site, we will ensure appropriate action is taken against those involved. We will also approach the High Court to resolve the ownership dispute over the market.
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