Two killed in clash between rival groups in Cumilla

Three others have been taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for treatment

At least two people have been killed in a clash stemming from a local power struggle in Cumilla's Nagalkot Upazila.

The incident took place around 12:30pm on Friday in Boxganj Union's Aliara village between supporters of local figures Abul Khair and Saleh Ahmed, according to Nagalkot Police Station chief (OC) Arifur Rahman.

Three others were injured and taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The situation in the area remains tense, with both police and Army personnel deployed to prevent further violence.

The dead were identified as Delwar Hossain Nayan and Saleh Ahmed.

Residents said the two groups had been locked in a long-running rivalry. In August last year, a clash between the same factions left a former union council member dead, after which homes belonging to one side were vandalised and set on fire.

Witnesses said that during Friday’s violence, two people were beaten and hacked to death. They also reported hearing gunfire.

When asked about the reports, OC Arifur said police had received information suggesting gunfire may have occurred.