Section 144 imposed in Tangail after deadly village clash

The local administration has imposed Section 144 in two villages of Tangail following a deadly clash between rival groups that left one person dead and at least 15 others injured.

The restrictions came into effect from 6:00AM on Friday in Golpecha village under Gopalpur upazila and Jagatkura village under Bhuapur upazila and will remain in force until further notice, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Kalam Talukdar, 65, who sustained critical injuries during the violence. He was taken to Bhuapur Upazila Health Complex, where on-duty doctors declared him dead. The injured were admitted to Tangail General Hospital for treatment.

According to local sources, the clash erupted on Thursday afternoon and continued for nearly four hours as residents of the two villages engaged in a fierce confrontation over a long-standing dispute. Both sides allegedly used locally made weapons during the violence.

The unrest also led to arson attacks that damaged around 10 houses. Residents alleged that livestock, stored paddy and household valuables were looted during the incident.

Tension escalated further in the evening when a large group from neighbouring Shakharia village of Hemnagar union allegedly attacked Nalin Bazaar, vandalising and looting more than 100 shops owned by residents of Jagatkura.

Locals said the conflict stemmed from a minor dispute over unpaid dues at a shop on April 22, which gradually intensified through a series of confrontations before turning deadly.

Bhuapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Sabbir Rahman said five police personnel were injured while trying to bring the situation under control. Additional law enforcement members have been deployed in the area.

Bhuapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahbub Hasan said Section 144 was imposed to prevent further deterioration of law and order after the dispute escalated into widespread violence, vandalism and loss of life.

TZ