Five injured as rival groups clash in Rupganj over Facebook post

Locals have handed over three bullet cartridges to police from the scene, an official says

Police have reported that five people, including some with gunshot wounds, have been injured during clashes between two rival groups in Narayanganj’s Rupganj Upazila.

Local police chief Md Sabjel Hossain said the confrontations broke out in several phases from around 12:30am on Monday until the afternoon.

He said the clashes erupted between followers of Mirazul Mahim and Sakibul Hasan after an “offensive” comment was posted on Facebook. However, no formal complaint has been lodged with police over the incident, he added.

Locals said Mirazul is linked to the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, while Sakibul Hasan was previously involved with the Bangladesh Chhatra League. Sakibul, however, denied any political affiliation.

Officer Sabjel said Mirazul had abused Sakibul on one of his Facebook posts, leading to an altercation between the two around 8pm on Sunday. Their supporters later joined in, escalating the situation into a full-fledged clash.

“Locals alleged that shots were fired during the violence. One resident even handed over three cartridges to police. We are looking into the matter,” Sabjel said.

Police confirmed that Shahidul Islam, identified as a Jubo League activist and a “close associate” of Mirazul, was among the injured.

Sakibul said, “In last monsoon, I had commented about waterlogging in the area, which led to tensions with Mirazul. The dispute intensified later. Because of that, he posted an offensive comment on my Facebook post. When I asked for an explanation, he attacked my home.”