A fresh effort by local authorities to resolve a long-standing regional dispute between residents of Khardia in Saltha upazila and Moyendia in Boalmari upazila has raised hopes of restoring peace and social harmony in the area.
The two communities have reportedly been involved in prolonged tensions and clashes, with the dispute allegedly leading to vandalism and looting of hundreds of homes and business establishments. More than a hundred ordinary people have also been injured in the violence.
The two sides are led by Mushfik Billa Jihad from Khardia and Abdul Mannan Matubbar from Moyendia. The regional dispute between the two groups has persisted for years, creating tension and fears of further confrontation.
Recently, administrative officials visited the conflict-affected area and took steps to calm the situation. At one point, they brought members of the two sides together, encouraged them to embrace each other and delivered a message of peace and reconciliation.
Local residents have described the initiative as a significant first step toward resolving the long-running dispute.
The efforts have been led by Saltha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Dabir Uddin and Boalmari UNO SM Rakibul Hasan, whose joint initiatives have helped create an opportunity for dialogue between the two sides.
Saltha UNO Dabir Uddin said ensuring people's peace and security is the administration's primary responsibility.
“Resolving disputes through dialogue, reducing tensions and restoring mutual harmony are also part of the administration's responsibilities, not just enforcing the law,” he said.
However, he stressed that peace-loving local residents must also come forward, while regional political workers need to demonstrate goodwill to help resolve the dispute.
Boalmari UNO SM Rakibul Hasan said the administration has been making continuous efforts to establish peace and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that people's businesses and livelihoods can operate peacefully and that the two communities can coexist.
The two administrative officials said bringing the opposing sides together after years of conflict was not an easy task.
They said the administration would continue taking necessary measures in the interests of people's safety, security and social harmony.
Saltha Press Club President Nurul Islam said the prolonged dispute had created tension and mistrust among residents of the two areas.
“The administration's timely initiative has helped calm the situation and created an opportunity to build a cordial relationship between the two sides,” he said.
He expressed hope that the administration's efforts would lead to a permanent solution to the dispute and strengthen peace, harmony and brotherhood between Khardia and Moyendia.
Hasanuzzaman, a member of the Faridpur chapter of the Committee for Conscious Citizens (SANAK), welcomed the initiative by the administrations of the two upazilas.
He said resolving the long-standing dispute would be a major relief for residents of the two areas.
“We welcome the initiative of the administrations of the two upazilas. If this long-standing dispute can be resolved, there could be no greater source of happiness for the people of these two regions,” he said.
He urged the administration and law enforcement agencies to continue discussions and take necessary steps to protect the lives and property of ordinary people.
“We hope there will be no further loss of life or property because of this struggle for regional dominance,” Hasanuzzaman said.
