Three people, including a union parishad (UP) member, were killed and ten others were injured in violent clashes between rival groups at Kalkini upazila in Madaripur district on Friday.
The deceased were identified as Akhtar Sikdar, 45, a member of ward No-8 in Banshgari union, his son Maruf Shikdar, 20, and Sirajul Chowkidar, 25, a local day laborer.
The violence stemmed from a long-standing dispute between two groups, Fakir and Shikdar factions, vying for dominance in the area. Aktar, a senior vice president of the local Awami League unit, had reportedly been absent from the area since the fall of Sheikh Hasina government on August 5.
The clashes began early Friday when Aktar and his supporters attempted to re-enter the area from Shariatpur’s Natun Bazar. Jalil Shikdar, a leader of the opposing group, rallied his followers using loudspeakers to block their entry.
Both groups armed themselves with lethal weapons, and the conflict escalated as hand grenades were hurled. Aktar was killed on the spot, while his son Maruf succumbed to injuries at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. Sirajul died on his way to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The injured were taken to health facilities in Barishal's Muladi and Shariatpur's Damudya upazilas for treatment.
Local UP Chairman Mostafizur Rahman revealed that Aktar was implicated in 35 criminal cases, including five for murder. He added that the violence erupted as the Fakir group resisted the Shikdar group's attempt to return to the area.
Police confirmed the deaths and stated that operations are underway to apprehend those involved. Additional law enforcement, including police, Rapid Action Battalion, and the army, have been deployed to restore order.
Bhaskar Saha, the district additional superintendent of police, assured the public that the situation is now under control, with joint forces actively working to prevent further violence.
