A land dispute in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha has escalated after a key village access road was allegedly blocked with bamboo fencing, leaving more than 30 families effectively confined to their homes.
The incident occurred in Purba Sonaray village under Sonaray Union, where residents rely on a road adjacent to the house of Mofizul Haque for daily movement.
The route has reportedly been used for generations and serves as the primary access point for 30–35 households.
According to victims and local sources, a group of people led by Abul Kashem and Manju Mia erected bamboo barricades at four points along the road following a long-standing land dispute on Saturday morning. The individuals were allegedly armed with locally made weapons and issued threats when residents attempted to intervene.
The blockade has severely disrupted daily life in the village. Day laborers have been unable to reach their workplaces, farmers cannot access their fields with livestock, and schoolchildren have been prevented from attending classes.
“This road has been in use since the British era by our family. Now we are trapped inside our own homes,” said 78-year-old resident Saleh Haque Sheikh.
A fourth-grade student, Mim Akter, said she had to return home after finding the road blocked on her way to school.
Another resident, Khoteja Begum, described the hardship, saying, “All access routes are closed. We cannot leave our homes, our livestock are going hungry, and our children cannot attend school.”
Mofizul Haque has filed a written complaint with Sundarganj Police Station.
In response, accused Manju Mia claimed the situation stems from a prolonged legal dispute.
“We have been facing harassment through cases for the past 10–12 years. The situation escalated due to tensions, but it may be resolved if there is mutual understanding,” he said.
Confirming the matter, Sundarganj police station officer-in-charge Shahin Mohammad Amanullah said that police have received the complaint and visited the site.
He added that an investigation is underway and necessary legal action will be taken based on the findings.
Anowar Al Shamim/MHK