2 killed in clash over dominance dispute in Narsingdi

Two individuals were killed and at least 20 others injured in a violent clash at Raipura upazila in Narsingdi district on Sunday.

The clash was erupted over a longstanding dispute relating to establishing supremacy in remote Bashgari area under the upazila. 

According to locals, the incident occurred on Sunday morning, with gunfire reported during the confrontation.

The deceased were identified as Almgir Hossain Alam, 19, son of Zohar Ali from Dighliakandi area under the union, and Ali Ahmed, 23, son of Jasim Uddin from the same area.  

Raipura Police Station officer-in-charge Md Adil Mahmud confirmed the incident.  

According to police sources, the clash was fueled by a rivalry between Ashraful Haque, a former chairman of Bashgari Union Parishad (UP), and Jakir Hasan Ratul, the current chairman. The situation escalated when supporters of local BNP leader Harun, allied with Ashraful, allegedly engaged in a gunfight with Ratul's faction using firearms and crude weapons. An unidentified individual died on the spot while 21 others from both sides were critically injured. 

The injured were rushed to various hospitals, including Narsingdi Sadar Hospital, for treatment. Of them, Almgir Hossain was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Dr. Sabbir Ahmed, a residential medical officer at Raipura Upazila Health Complex, said, �Three individuals with gunshot wounds were brought in the morning. Their condition was critical, and were referred to Dhaka after initial treatment.�  

Jakir Hasan Ratul, the current Union Parishad chairman, denied any involvement in the violence, saying, �There have been minor disputes with former chairman Ashraful Haque in the past but we have been coexisting peacefully. I was not involved in this incident as I am currently out of the area.�  

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md Kalimullah said, �We have confirmed the deaths of two individuals. One of them has been identified. Police are working to bring the situation under control.�  

Authorities are continuing efforts to restore order in the area while investigations into the incident are underway, he added.