One dead, 8 injured in clash over land of housing company in Savar

A farmer was killed and at least eight others were injured in a clash between two groups over a housing company's land in Savar, Dhaka last night.

The deceased was identified as Abu Said, 50, a farmer of the same area.

The incident occurred around 8:00pm at Beraid village of Bongaon union, said Md Jewel Miah, officer-in-charge (OC) of Savar Model Police Station.

Quoting locals, police said there had been a longstanding dispute between the groups of Zakir and Babul over the land of Nishan Housing. Babul had been working in favour of Nishan Housing, while Zakir opposed it. Yesterday's clash occurred as a result of that ongoing conflict.

Abu Said, a supporter of Babul was killed, and several others from both sides were injured in the clash, police said.

Alim Mia, an injured member of the Babul group, said, "At around 8:00pm, Zakir and 30 to 40 of his men attacked us. During the attack, Abu Said was hacked to death."

Five of the injured were undergoing treatment at Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar with stab wounds while Babul is being treated at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital, said Rakib Al Mahmud Shuvo, a doctor at the hospital's emergency department.

Zakir alleged that Babul and his associates had been occupying local farmers' land on behalf of the housing company. "Babul and his people came to attack my office when I protested."

The OC said preparations are underway to file a case over the incident.