A violent clash erupted between activists of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal over occupying a wholesale market in the Saoghat area of Golakandail of Rupganj in Narayanganj on Tuesday (January 28) afternoon. The incident involved gunfire, vandalism, and arson, leaving at least 25 people injured, including two critically who sustained gunshot wounds.The clash stemmed from a long-standing dispute over a wholesale market in the Saoghat area, adjacent to the Dhaka-Sylhet highway. The conflict involves Selim Pradhan, Chairman of Japan-Bangladesh Group, and local businessman Mujibur Rahman.Mujibur Rahman claim that he rented the land from Selim Pradhan for 10 years on a contractual basis, built a wholesale market of fruits and vegetables, and has been using it ever since.
Selim Pradhan accused Mujibur Rahman of forcibly occupying the land using a fake contract and constructed the warehouse illegally.
The tension escalated when Masudur Rahman, former vice-president of the district unit Chhatra Dal, and his associates supported Selim Pradhan in reclaiming the warehouse. Meanwhile, Rafiqul Islam, joint convener of the District Swechchhasebak Dal, led a protest procession against extortion and terrorism in the area.
The violence broke out when bricks were allegedly thrown at Rafiqul Islam’s procession from inside Selim Pradhan’s house. The situation quickly escalated into a bloody confrontation involving gunfire, brick-throwing, and physical clashes.
At least 25 people were injured, with Rafi Ahmed Swapan and Raju Bhuiyan sustaining gunshot wounds and being admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
Am SUV belonging to Selim Pradhan was set on fire, while 10 motorcycles were vandalized and torched.
Surrounding markets, including Gausia Market, Tantbazar, and Haji Shopping Complex, were forced to shut down in panic.
Upon receiving reports of the clash, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam and a joint force arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control.
Narayanganj Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mehedi Islam stated that no arrests had been made and no formal complaints had been filed yet. However, efforts are underway to recover weapons used in the shooting.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam assured that action would be taken against those involved. He also mentioned plans to approach the High Court to determine the rightful ownership of the disputed warehouse.
Rafiqul Islam, joint convener of Swechchhasebak Dal, said : "We were peacefully protesting against extortion and terrorism when we were suddenly attacked with bricks and weapons."
Masudur Rahman, former vice-president of Chhatra Dal claimed he was not present at the scene, but he heard of the attack on his people. “Many were injured, including those who were shot."
The authorities are investigating the incident, and legal action will be taken against those found responsible. The dispute over the warehouse ownership is expected to be resolved through a High Court decision. For now, the situation remains tense in the area.