A fatal altercation erupted today in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to at least 11 individuals due to a conflict within the local BNP and Jubo Dal factions. The incident, which took place in Madhabpur village under Monoharpur Union around 10:30 am, also led to property damage and theft.
The deceased, identified as 70-year-old Mohon Sheikh, the son of the late Motleb Sheikh from the same village, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla. The clash stemmed from a disagreement over local power dynamics, prompting the deployment of additional police forces to prevent further unrest and looting in the area.
Authorities are making arrangements to conduct an autopsy on the deceased, as stated by the police official. Local residents and law enforcement officials revealed a longstanding rivalry between supporters of upazila BNP president Abul Hossain and district Jubo Dal joint general secretary Abu Zahid Chowdhury concerning local influence.
Tensions escalated the previous evening when Abul Hossain’s followers allegedly attacked a supporter of Abu Zahid Chowdhury, triggering a violent confrontation the following morning involving homemade weapons. Approximately 11 to 12 individuals sustained injuries during the clash and were rushed to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex, where Mohon Sheikh was declared dead upon arrival. One critically wounded person, identified as Abbas Sheikh, was transferred to Faridpur for advanced medical care.
Dr. Nahid Emran Tonni, an emergency department physician at Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex, confirmed Mohon Sheikh’s death and reported that other injured individuals are currently receiving treatment, with one requiring transfer to Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
Tarikul Bashar Sadad, the son of Abul Hossain and Member Secretary of the Upazila Jubo Dal, alleged that supporters of the Awami League incited Abu Zahid’s group, triggering the violent clash. He further claimed that the deceased and injured individuals were affiliated with the BNP and accused Abu Zahid’s group of ransacking and looting residences belonging to Abul Hossain’s supporters, including the theft of livestock.
Contrary to this, Abu Zahid Chowdhury, joint general secretary of the district Jubo Dal, asserted that the deceased Mohon Sheikh was a member of their group and mentioned that several others sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.