Section 144 imposed in Mymensingh after land clash

Local administration imposed Section 144 at Nandail upazila of Mymensingh on Thursday following a violent clash between two groups over a long-standing land dispute.

Officials said the restriction was enforced from 12 noon to maintain law and order after tensions escalated at Kharua area.

According to Nandail Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Azharul Islam, the dispute centres on ownership of two decimals of land between Abdul Rouf Mahajan of Kharua village and Shawkat Ali of Narendra Pur village. The matter is also under judicial process.

Police said the situation escalated on Wednesday morning when Shawkat Ali attempted to construct a structure on the disputed land, which was demolished by Abdul Rouf’s group, leading to heightened tension in the area.

Later, a clash broke out between the two groups around 11am at Kharua Bazar, during which both sides used bamboo sticks, locally made weapons and bricks. Several shops were vandalised and looted in the incident.

Abdur Rouf’s side claimed that goods worth around Tk 15 lakh were looted and shops were damaged during the attack. However, Shawkat Ali alleged that his legally purchased land was unlawfully demolished while he was constructing a house, and that his supporters’ shops were later vandalised.

Police said they fired eight rounds of blank rubber bullets to disperse the clashing groups.

“The situation is now under control. Police and RAB personnel have been deployed, and legal action will be taken,” OC Azharul Islam said.

Nandail Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fatema Jannat confirmed that Section 144 has been imposed and will remain in force until further notice.

TZ