3-year conflict led to bloodshed

The three-year conflict between a local Awami League leader and a former Jubo League activist over the control of Jarulia waterbody led to the killing of three people and injuries to around 20 in Sunamganj's Dirai upazila on Tuesday.

Locals said supporters of Ekrar Hossain, former member of upazila Jubo League, twice clashed with followers of Mosarraf Miah, joint secretary of upazila AL, near the waterbody in Hatia village during the fishing season, around the months of October through December, in 2014 and 2015. The clashes left several people injured.

According to Sunamganj district administration, the waterbody was leased to Nagergaon Matshajibi Samabay Samity for six years. Locals alleged that the organisation was backed by Mosarraf, also the mayor of Dirai Municipality, who kept control of the waterbody through AL leader Mashuk Miah.

Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, relatives of some injured said Mashuk bought a sub-lease from the Samity three years ago and had been in control of the waterbody since then. During the clash last year, Ekrar's supporters hacked him with a cleaver.

Ekrar also claimed that he purchased a sub-lease from the organisation for six years and was in control of the waterbody, but Mosarraf along with his supporters swooped on his men on Tuesday morning when they were fishing in the waterbody.

Mosarraf, however, rejected outright the allegation, claiming that he had no interest in the waterbody and no influence on the Samity.

Hafizur Rahman, chairman of Dirai Upazila Parishad, said the row over the control of the waterbody was discussed in the annual district law and order meeting last year, but no solution was found.

Dirai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Touhiduzzaman Pavel said the law enforcement agencies were asked to look into the matter so that no untoward incident occurs. But the conflict claimed three lives, which is very unfortunate.

Sheikh Rafiqul Islam, deputy commissioner of Sunamganj, said they ordered the Dirai UNO to investigate Tuesday's clash and submit a report in three working days.

“We are thinking about forming a probe body soon,” the DC added.

NO CASE FILED YET

Dirai police did not record any case in connection with Tuesday's clash till last night.

Harun-or-Rashid, superintendent of Sunamganj police, said a temporary police camp was set up near the waterbody yesterday to avoid any slide in law and order.

Meanwhile, Tajul Islam, 35, Shaharul Islam, 25, and Uzzal Miah, 28, were buried at their villages yesterday after the autopsies were completed. The three died on Tuesday of bullet wounds.

Despite repeated attempts, this correspondent could not reach Dhananjay Sarkar, general secretary of the Samabay Samity, over the phone for his comment.