Clash in Brahmanbaria over friendly cricket match; 30 injured

A tumultuous clash rocked Nasirnagar in Brahmanbaria, as tensions flared over a friendly cricket match in Ward No. 5 of Fandauk Union. The confrontation, lasting an hour, left 30 individuals wounded, including women.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sohag Rana of Nasirnagar Police Station confirmed the incident, which ignited on Friday afternoon. He stated, "Additional police forces have been dispatched to quell the unrest."

Following the altercation, a wave of unease swept through the locality.

Reports from locals reveal that on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, youths from Fandauk village split into two factions, engaging in a friendly cricket match. A dispute between two players escalated into a clash.

As news of the brawl reached the elders, tensions escalated further. According to sources, former UP member Abdul Awal sided with one group, while another influential figure named Ripon Mia supported the opposing faction. Efforts were made to resolve the dispute through mediation.

Allegedly, Abdul Awal‍‍`s supporters were ambushed by Ripon Mia‍‍`s followers after Friday prayers at Madina Mosque in Sadhupara Noor, sparking the violent confrontation.

Subsequently, armed clashes ensued between the two groups, resulting in injuries to 30 individuals, who were later treated at Nasirnagar Upazila Health Complex under police supervision.

Among the injured were identified individuals such as Md. Nur Alam, Md. Sajal, Nashir Mia, Sagar Mia, Shimul Mia, Tafu Mia, Didar Mia, Kajal Mia, Fasal Shia, Hriday Mia, and Nurem Begum, representing Abdul Awal‍‍`s supporters, and Golam Noor, Rubel Mia, Ala Uddin, Shahnaz Begum, Jinia Begum, Fatema Begum, and Ruzina Begum from the opposing group.

Further reports suggest that additional injured persons sought treatment at Lakhai Upazila Health Complex in Habiganj, though their identities remain undisclosed.

Abdul Awal, the former UP member, expressed, "It‍‍`s regrettable that a minor disagreement during a cricket match escalated to such violence. We had hoped for local arbitration to resolve the issue. However, we were attacked after Friday prayers by Ripon Mia‍‍`s affiliates."

In contrast, Raja Mia from Ripon Mia‍‍`s camp countered, "Altercations among children during Eid are not uncommon. We were assured by local leaders that the matter would be resolved. We were taken aback when Abdul Awal‍‍`s group attacked us post-prayers."

OC Sohag Rana reiterated, "The clash stemmed from a dispute during a cricket game in Fandauk. Additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. No formal complaints were lodged, and no arrests have been made."