Clashes over market naming rights in Bhairab leave 20 injured and halt rail services
Photo Collected
BHAIRAB, KISHOREGANJ — A violent clash erupted between residents of Akbarnagar and Mirarchar villages in Bhairab Upazila on Sunday afternoon over a long-standing dispute regarding the naming of a local market. The confrontation resulted in at least 20 injuries and the destruction of approximately 12 homes, which were set ablaze by opposing factions.
The violence forced a three-hour suspension of train services on the Bhairab-Mymensingh route, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. The Chattogram-bound Bijoy Express was held at Bhairab Station for one hour and 40 minutes, while the Dhaka-bound Kishoreganj Express was halted at Kuliarchar Station.
Bhairab Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahabubur Rahman confirmed that police were deployed to the scene and the situation has since been brought under control.
Tensions in the area date back to July 2023, when the Roads and Highways Department installed a signpost labeling the common market solely as “Akbarnagar Bazar.” This exclusion sparked outrage among Mirarchar residents, leading to vandalism and subsequent violent clashes. The conflict escalated significantly on July 7, resulting in two deaths, over 100 injuries, and widespread arson. Following those events, two murder cases were filed naming 89 individuals and 130 unidentified suspects.
The most recent surge in violence was triggered on Sunday after a Kishoreganj court denied bail to 39 suspects in the ongoing murder cases, sending them to jail. According to local witnesses, the clash began around 12:30 p.m. when Akbarnagar residents allegedly assaulted two individuals from Mirarchar at the market. Following a broadcast of the incident via loudspeaker, hundreds from both villages mobilized with sticks and other weapons, leading to a full-scale confrontation by 3:00 p.m.
“The conflict is between two neighborhoods, yet its impact is felt nationally,” said Tamiz Uddin, a banker who was among the stranded passengers. “Vital road and rail links are being repeatedly blocked, causing immense suffering to commuters in this heat. This cannot continue.”
Bhairab Station Master Yusuf stated that the Bijoy Express, which was scheduled to depart at 4:12 p.m., remained stationary for safety reasons until it finally departed at 5:50 p.m.
Ariful Islam, General Secretary of the Bhairab Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), arrived at the scene to mediate between the two groups. He publicly condemned the recurrent violence, stating that the persistent naming dispute has brought public disrepute to the region and promised stricter measures to prevent future disruptions.
Four of the injured were admitted to the Bhairab Upazila Health Complex, while others sought treatment at private medical facilities. Authorities remain on high alert as investigations into the latest arson and assault cases continue.
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