A dispute over the possession of a char in Hatia, Dwip Upazila of Noakhali, has turned into a bloody clash. At least five people were killed and several others injured in a shootout over dominance of the Jagla char on Tuesday morning, police and local sources said.
The incident took place around 10 am in the Jagla Char area adjacent to Wards 7 and 8 of Sukhchar Union. One of the deceased was identified as Alauddin (40), a resident of Char Aman Ullah village of Sukhchar Union. The identities of the other deceased could not be immediately confirmed.
According to locals, since the land in Jagla Char has not yet come under the government’s jurisdiction, various groups have been trying to exert influence there. Tensions have been rising between two rival groups over land sales and occupation. The dispute escalated into armed clashes on Tuesday.
Police said that some of the injured died on the spot after being shot in the clash. Among the injured, Alauddin was taken to Noakhali General Hospital where the doctor declared him dead. Since the area is a remote char area, law enforcement officials reached the spot in the afternoon.
Hatia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Alam said five bodies have been recovered and additional police have been deployed to control the situation. An investigation into the incident is underway.