Ex-Chhatra Dal leader among 2 killed in clashes in Sherpur

Locals say a quarrel between two groups of local teenagers led to the clashes

Two people, including a former district Chhatra Dal leader, have been killed, and at least 20 were injured in clashes in a power struggle between people from two neighbourhoods in Sherpur.

According to Md Aminul Islam, the superintendent of Sherpur Police Station, at least five shops were vandalised and looted amid the clashes around 11:30pm on Monday.

The dead have been identified as trolley driver Mizanur Rahman Mizan, 35, and Ariful Islam Srabon, 22.

Ariful is the son of Delwar Hossain Mintu, former general secretary of Gauripur area Ward No. 7 unit of the BNP.

According to the locals and police, two groups of teenagers from Sherpur’s Gauripur and Khowarpar neighbourhoods had an argument over a minor issue near the Shapla Chattar area on Monday. Later, the incident led to a clash between the residents of the two localities at night.

Around 10:30pm, the people of the two neighbourhoods clashed using local weapons after making an announcement over the megaphone.

Mizan was severely injured amid the clashes after being beaten near the Shapla Chattar area.

He was later taken to Sherpur District Hospital after being rescued by two teams of the army and police personnel. However, the duty doctor declared him dead upon arrival.

Srabon, who also sustained severe injuries amid the clashes, was admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for treatment. He passed away while undergoing treatment on Tuesday morning.

The situation was later brought under control after the army and police forces began patrolling the area.

According to police, the injured have been admitted to the Sherpur District Hospital.

He said a case is being filed over the incident.