8 injured as power struggle triggers bomb blasts in Madaripur

Police and Army move in as clashes rage for two hours

At least eight people have been injured in Madaripur Sadar Upazila during a clash stemming from a longstanding feud and local power struggle between two rival groups, police say.

The confrontation unfolded from 4pm to 6pm on Friday in West Rasti of Rasti Union, according to Abul Kalam Azad, chief (OC) of Madaripur Sadar Model Police Station.

Citing locals and the injured, police said that the violence was the culmination of a long-running rivalry between Selim Howlader and Sohrab Bepari over dominance in the area.

As the situation spiralled, both sides took to the streets with weapons, triggering around 20 crude bomb explosions over the course of two hours.

Police and Army personnel later intervened to bring the situation under control.

Among the injured, Faruq Bepari, 55, Imran Matubbar, 32, Kalu Bepari, 65, and Rion Bepari, 18, were rescued and admitted to the Madaripur 250-bed District Hospital.

Doctors have transferred another victim, 35-year-old Rokon Hawladar, to Dhaka as his condition remains critical.

The remaining casualties received primary medical attention.

OC Azad said calm has been restored, additional police are on the ground, and legal action is being pursued.