Clash over mosque committee in Madaripur, five homes allegedly set ablaze

Two groups clashed over the formation of a mosque management committee in Madaripur Sadar upazila. Residents alleged that at least five homes were set on fire and about 30 homes were attacked, vandalised and looted. Additional police have been deployed to keep the situation under control.

The incident took place on Wednesday (28 October) morning in the Baherandi area of Ghatmajhi union.

Police and local sources said Mosharraf Fakir was made president of the Baherandi Jame Mosque management committee about three months ago. Local resident Bachchu Morol objected to the decision and claimed to be the president. The issue sparked a dispute between his supporters and those of former union parishad member Emdad Matubbar. The two groups had clashed several times before.

Residents alleged that more than 100 supporters of Bachchu Morol, armed with locally made weapons, attacked the homes of Emdad Matubbar’s supporters on Wednesday morning. The vandalism, looting and arson continued for about two hours. On receiving the news, officers from Sadar Model Police Station went to the scene and brought the situation under control.

Tamim Matubbar, whose home was affected, alleged that the rival group attacked and set fire to their home after police forced them out. Former union parishad member Emdad Matubbar also accused police of bias, claiming they were taking no action against the attackers.

Bachchu Morol denied involvement in the attacks and arson. He claimed that Emdad Matubbar and his supporters had themselves engaged in clashes and were shifting the blame onto him. He called for an impartial investigation.

Abul Kalam Azad, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadar Model Police Station, said the two groups had been in a long-running dispute. Several homes were also vandalised and looted during a clash the previous Monday. Police had urged both sides to remain calm.

Denying allegations of bias, the OC said a dispute over establishing local dominance was leading to repeated clashes. Several police teams were working to identify and arrest those involved.

Additional Superintendent of Police Jahangir Alam said the situation was under control. The affected families were in the process of filing a case. He said the allegations against police would also be investigated and necessary legal action taken.