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Published : 16 May 2025, 04:56 PM
At least 30 people, including a child, have been injured in a clash between two rival groups over a dispute stemming from the excavation of a fish farming enclosure in Gopalganj's Kotalipara Upazila.
The incident occurred around 9:30am on Friday in Barshapara village, according to Abul Kalam Azad, chief of Kotalipara Police Station.
Local residents Imran Ali and Zahir Gazi, who witnessed the incident, said the clash involved Ibrahim Fakir, a member of Hiron Union Parishad's Ward 6, and Mokshed Ali Fakir, a resident of the same village. The two had a long-standing land dispute.
Tensions escalated after one party began cutting an enclosure for fish farming on the disputed land. On Friday, Mokshed Ali’s supporters allegedly assaulted members of Ibrahim Fakir’s group, which quickly led to a full-blown confrontation.
As news of the attack spread, both sides clashed using sticks, shields, and improvised weapons. Police arrived at the scene around 10:30am and brought the situation under control.
Among the injured are Jalal Fakir, 45, Mehedi Fakir, 20, Palash Fakir, 35, Alamin Fakir, 30, Robiul Fakir, 25, Riaz Fakir, 22, Miraj Fakir, 45, Sufiyan Fakir, 20, Rafiqul Fakir, 55, Gaus Fakir, 38, Moniruzzaman Fakir, 45, Abbas Ali Fakir, 35, Akash Fakir, 13, and Nasir Fakir, 20.
The injured have been admitted to the Gopalganj 250-bed General Hospital and the Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex.
Addressing the incident, UP member Ibrahim Fakir said: “There has been a long-running dispute with Mokshed Ali Fakir over the excavation of my fish enclosure in the beel (wetland). On Friday, his supporters assaulted one of my followers as they passed by his house. When I intervened with my people, they attacked us as well.”
He claimed 25 of his supporters were injured in the attack.
On the other hand, Mokshed Ali's son Alamin Fakir said: “Some time ago, UP member Ibrahim Fakir forcibly began digging fish enclosures on our land and the land of a few others. We objected, and the digging was halted.”
“But on Friday, he again came with people to resume the digging. When we resisted, a clash broke out. Several of our people were injured. We demand punishment for Ibrahim Fakir.”
Kotalipara Police Station chief Azad said, “We responded quickly and brought the situation under control. The area is now calm and under police supervision.”
He added that no formal complaint had been filed by either party so far. “If a complaint is lodged, we will investigate and take appropriate legal action."
