A clash over dominance in Dasar, Madaripur, led to the looting and burning of 13 houses and left five people injured. Several crude bomb explosions were also reported. Fire service and police personnel rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (14 January) afternoon in Khatial village of Baligram Union in the upazila.
According to police, local sources, and victims, a long-standing dispute over land and dominance existed between Abul Jamaddar and Abbas Chowdhury, both residents of Khatial village. The conflict escalated into a chase and counter-chase involving crude bomb explosions. Abbas Chowdhury was attacked and severely injured by the rival faction. He was initially taken to Madaripur 250-Bed District Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
News of Abbas Chowdhury’s injury further escalated tensions between the two groups. In retaliation, his supporters attacked and looted the houses of Abul Jamaddar and his family members, setting several houses on fire.
Approximately 13 houses belonging to Abul Jamaddar, Anwar Jamaddar, Bellal Jamaddar, Siraj Jamaddar, and other family members were damaged. Five people from both sides sustained injuries.
Police, fire service, and army personnel reached the scene to control the fire and restore order. Additional police forces were deployed in the area due to ongoing tension.
Bellal Jamaddar, one of the victims, said, “Thirteen houses of the Jamaddar family, including mine, were attacked, looted, and set on fire by Abbas Chowdhury’s supporters. We demand justice for this attack.”
Abbas Chowdhury could not be contacted for comment as he was receiving treatment in Dhaka, and no family members were present at his house.
Madaripur Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Investigation) Jahangir Alam said, “The incident originated from a long-standing dispute over dominance and land between the groups of Abul and Abbas. Two days ago, a chase and counter-chase incident occurred between the groups, which escalated today. Authorities intervened to control the situation, and legal action will be taken against those responsible.”