Clashes over transport hub control disrupt traffic on Dhaka-Barishal highway

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Violent clashes between two rival factions over control of a local transport hub brought traffic on the Dhaka-Barishal highway to a standstill for several hours Sunday morning in Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila. The confrontation at the Pukuria bus stand left hundreds of passengers and cargo vehicles stranded as groups from neighboring unions engaged in repeated skirmishes throughout the day.

The dispute stems from a long-standing power struggle between residents of 10 villages in Hamerdi union, led by Siru Molla, and five villages in Manikdah union, led by Sultan Matubbar. Tensions escalated on Saturday evening following the reported assault of a man from the Maheshwardi area at the bus stand. The incident served as a catalyst for a series of clashes that began at 7:00 a.m. Sunday when groups from the affected villages converged on the terminal.

The unrest forced the closure of the strategic Dhaka-Barishal highway, trapping travelers and transport workers for much of the morning. While initial efforts to disperse the crowds provided temporary relief, fighting resumed with renewed intensity around 9:45 a.m. Protesters on both sides of the stand exchanged volleys of bricks and brandished indigenous weapons, creating a volatile environment that hindered local authorities.

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According to the local administration, the situation grew increasingly difficult as the factions occupied opposing ends of the bus stand. Police, supported by additional units including the Rapid Action Battalion and Ansar, were deployed to restore order, utilizing tear gas to scatter the crowds. Local political leaders also intervened, working on-site to negotiate a ceasefire.

Bhanga Upazila BNP President Khandaker Iqbal Hossain, who remained at the scene to help broker peace, reported that the situation was finally brought under control by 12:45 p.m. Following the intervention of security forces and political representatives, the barricades were cleared, and traffic flow along the highway resumed. Local witnesses noted that the extensive stone-throwing resulted in injuries to several individuals, including police officers, political activists, and journalists covering the event.