A Facebook video captures the dramatic scene as over 100 crude bombs explode before police bring situation under control
Published : 05 Apr 2025, 02:50 PM
Tension has gripped Zajira Upazila in Shariatpur after helmeted men hurled crude bombs in a bid to assert dominance, leaving the village deserted.
Mohammad Ali, a Village Police member of Bilaspur Union, said the current union chairman and supporters of a rival candidate clashed in the Durba Danga area on Saturday morning in a show of strength.
More than 500 bombs were detonated during the clash, he said and added: “The one with bombs will win—as long as they last. The one who runs out will retreat.
“Whether it’s a thousand or five hundred bombs, that’s how it was this time.”
Police said at least 20 people were injured in the incident by a hand grenade.
They were rescued and sent to various hospitals in Zajira, Dhaka, and other places.
It has also been alleged that five houses were vandalised during the clash.
Locals told police that the clash was the result of an ongoing rivalry between followers of Bilaspur Union Parishad Chairman Kuddus Bepari and Jubo League leader Jalil Madbar.
They have reportedly been at odds over local dominance, with several past clashes leaving hundreds injured and some dead.
Locals said the latest bout of violence was triggered by a minor dispute that intensified into a full-blown confrontation.
On Eid day and night, supporters of Quddus displayed their strength by detonating hand bombs in their area.
In response, Jalil’s supporters also set off hand bombs to assert their presence.
The tension escalated around 7am on Saturday when Jalil’s group moved along the Padma River, setting off hand bombs across a 4–5 kilometre stretch from Mulai Bepari Kandi to Salimullah Madbar Kandi and Ahsanullah Munshi Kandi.
This led to a half-hour-long clash involving chases with Quddus’s supporters, during which a hand grenade was detonated.
The sound of the bomb spread panic in the area.
On receiving the information, police went to the spot, rescued locals and removed them to safety.