Families’ fight takes teen’s life

Rony Hawladar, an SSC candidate from Gopalganj Sadar upazila, just returned home after attending private classes yesterday morning when a clash ensued just in front of his house.

Minutes later, when the 16-year-old boy stepped out to see what was going on, a bullet ripped through his chest. 

The bullet was shot by Azizur Sheikh, a former member of Karpara union parishad in the upazila, after his family rivals attacked his house. 

It all began with a scuffle between Rahim Sheikh, a follower of Azizur, and Natun Mollah over sitting on a bench at a tea stall in Bongram Purbopara village around 9:00am, said locals.

“Sheikh” and “Mollah” are the titles of two families which have been in a long-standing row over establishing supremacy in the locality. 

A few days ago, supporters of Azizur beat Natun. As a result, Natun engaged in an altercation as soon as he saw Rahim yesterday.

The altercation turned violent in no time as supporters of two families arrived at the scene wielding lethal weapons.

At one point, Natun’s supporters launched an attack on Azizur’s house across the road. Enraged, Azizur fired shots in the air to intimidate the attackers, but one of the bullets hit Rony, who had no involvement in the incident whatsoever, witness and police said.

Rony, son of Anwar Hawladar, was a student of Azharia High School and elder of two brothers.

A shroud of sorrow pervaded the area after the death news spread. 

Ten others were injured during the clash, said Monirul Islam, officer in-charge of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station.

Receiving information, a police team rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, the OC said, adding that additional forces were deployed in that area to avoid further clashes. 

No case was filed in this connection when this report was filed late last night and no one was arrested.