20 Injured, Two Houses Vandalised in Clash Over Prayers at Mosque in Faridpur's Nagarkanda

A clash has broken out between two groups over prayers at a mosque in Nagarkanda upazila of Faridpur. At least 20 people from both sides were injured and two houses were vandalised in the incident.

The incident took place at the Mirakanda Paschimpara Jame Mosque in the upazila on Friday (30 October) after Juma prayers.

Locals said supporters of Obaydur Matubbar of the Matubbar group clashed with supporters of Iqbal Sheikh of the Sheikh group in Nagarkanda. An argument over prayers at the mosque first broke out between the two sides, which later turned into a clash. At one stage, people from both sides joined the clash with local weapons and sticks.

The clash, with chases and counter-chases, lasted for nearly two hours. At least 18 to 20 people from both sides were injured by brickbats and local weapons. The injured were rescued and admitted to Nagarkanda Upazila Health Complex and various other hospitals. Two houses were also vandalised in the clash.

Locals alleged that a feud had long been running between the two groups over establishing dominance, and that the clash started over a trivial incident stemming from that feud.

Muhammad Al Fahad, assistant superintendent of police of the Nagarkanda circle, said an argument first broke out between the two sides over prayers at the mosque, which later turned into a clash. On receiving the news, police went to the spot and brought the situation under control. He said additional police have been deployed there.