Over 50 injured as row over smoking sparks violent clashes in Chandpur

More than 50 people have been injured after a squabble over smoking boiled over into clashes in Chandpur's Hajiganj.

The clash between residents of East and West Randhunimur neighbourhoods erupted late on Tuesday night. Several rounds of chase and counter-chase between the rival groups continued for over two hours from 10pm to 12:30am.

The conflict reportedly stemmed from an argument between "seniors and juniors" over smoking at the Randhunimura Degree College field on Eid afternoon. This led to tensions between residents of two wards in Randhunimura.

Matters escalated on Tuesday night when an announcement over the local mosque’s loudspeaker prompted residents to gather, armed with makeshift weapons, leading to a violent confrontation.

Police initially failed to contain the situation, but a joint force of police and the army restored order by 12:30am.

Tamim Islam, a doctor at Hajiganj Upazila Health Complex, said that they provided first aid to nine people at the hospital’s emergency department, who were later transferred to Comilla Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Hajiganj Police Station chief Mohiuddin Faruk said, "The situation has been brought under control. Legal action will be taken over this incident."