Over 100 injured in clash between 4 Habiganj villages over Tk 5 fare

“Hundreds of vehicles on both sides of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway were stuck as the clashes occurred on the road,” a police official says

Over 100 people, including police, have reportedly been injured when a massive clash broke out between the residents of four villages in Habiganj’s Bahubal Upazila over an autorickshaw fare.

The clash continued from 10am to 2pm on Sunday on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in the Upazila’s Mouchak area, according to Zahirul Islam, assistant superintendent of police (Bahubal Circle).

The homes and stores of both sides were attacked, vandalised, looted, and set on fire during the clash.

The clash caused heavy traffic congestion on both sides of the highway.

Police went to the scene and restored order once the situation was reported.

The injured have been taken to the Bahubal Upazila Health Complex and the Habiganj District Sadar Modern Hospital for treatment.

“There was an argument over a Tk 5 rickshaw fare between a man from Bahubal Upazila’s Satparia village and another person from Kabirpur village,” ASP Zahirul said, citing locals. “This led to a scuffle and, at one point, the situation escalated into a clash between the residents of the two villages armed with makeshift weapons.”

“Residents of Bherakhal village then sided with the Kabirpur residents and the residents of Baharua village joined the Satparia villagers. This led to a horrific clash in which at least 100 people, including police, were injured.”

“Hundreds of vehicles on both sides of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway are stuck as the clashes occurred on the road,” the police official said. “The tailbacks began to lengthen as the clashes continued for four hours.”

“There were attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson on the homes and stores of both sides during the clash. The traffic was eventually restored to normal with the assistance of Bahubal police and police from the Highway Police Station.”

The situation has now calmed, ASP Zahirul said.