One shot during Eid jamaat in Cumilla; 2 killed in Faridpur clash

A man was shot during Eid jamaat in Cumilla and two were hacked to death in a clash over previous feud in Faridpur today (May 3, 2022).

In Cumilla, rivals of one Mostaq Ahmed attacked him and shot him on his knee during Eid congregation at Bhuiyanbari Eidgah in Cumilla Sadar upazila around 8am today, reports our local correspondent.

The incident spread panic among those who came to offer Eid prayers at the Eidgah and the jamaat was suspended till 9am.

The attackers were led by one Rubel, son of Farid Mia of the area, who was identified, along with several others, from videos captured by locals present on the spot. Rubel and Mostaq had a prior feud, according to locals.

Confirming the incident, Sahidur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Cumilla Kotwali Police Station, said law enforcers are trying to nab Rubel and others involved in the incident.

A case has been filed by Mostaq in this connection later today, the OC added.

In Faridpur, two rival groups locked in a clash over establishing supremacy in Gohialbari Bazar area under Boalmari upazila around 2pm, reports our local correspondent.

The deceased were identified as Akidul Mollah (46), and Khairul Sheikh (45) of Chardoutorkhathi village under the same upazila.

"There had been longstanding conflict between Mostata Zaman Siddiqui, relief and social welfare secretary of Awami League's Boalmari upazila unit, and Arif Khalasi, a sub-assistant agriculture officer of Alfadanga upazila, over establishing supremacy in the locality for last 10 years," said Amdad Hossain alias Nabab, chairman of Ghospur union parishad.

Supporters of Arif Khalasi attacked Mostafa's shop in Gohailbari Bazar and swooped in on people around the shop with local sharp weapons, leaving several injured, added the chairman.

The injured were taken to Boalmari Upazila Health Complex where doctor declared Akidul Mollah dead, while Khairul Sheikh was shifted to Faridpur Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital but he died on the way to hospital.

Mostata Zaman Siddiqui and Arif Khalasi could not be reached for comment as their phones were found switched off.

Confirming the matter, Sumon Kor, additional superintendent of police (Madhukhali Circle) said, "On information police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The bodies of the two deceased men would be sent to Faridpur Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital for autopsy."

"We are conducting drives to arrest the accused in this connection. No case has been filed till 6:30pm today," the ASP added.