At least 25 people including women were injured during a violent clash between two rival factions over local dominance and long-standing enmity in Shantiganj Upazila of Sunamganj on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred around 11:00 AM in Durbakanda village under Paschim Birgaon Union involving supporters of Union Parishad (UP) member Saidul Islam and those of local figure Abdul Sahid.
According to local sources, the clash stemmed from an incident on November 2, when Abdul Sahid was allegedly assaulted after visiting a relative's house. Resentment escalated on Thursday morning when an armed group led by Sahid attacked rival residences using locally-made weapons including machetes (ramda) and spears (sulfi).
Both sides subsequently clashed, resulting in injuries to around 25 individuals. Severely injured victims including Sahaj Uddin and Ajman Ali, were transferred to Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
UP member Saidul Islam claimed the attack was retaliation against a social arbitration decision to ostracize Sahid's group. Conversely Sahid denied initiating the violence also alleging his supporters acted in self-defense after being attacked first.
Rafiqul Islam the Assistant Superintendent of Police (Jagannathpur-Shantiganj Circle), confirmed that police responded promptly to the scene and brought the situation under control. Authorities are currently investigating the matter to restore law and order in the village.
