A long-running dispute over a government-owned land parcel in Patuakhali’s Galachipa upazila escalated into violence on Thursday, leaving 24 people injured, including several women. The clash occurred in Charbangla area of Charbiswas Union, where competing groups claimed rights over the same plot.

Dispute Escalates Into Armed Confrontation

Local officials said tensions between the two sides had been rising for days. The conflict broke out when a group of farmers—who had received official leasing rights—arrived to work on the land and were reportedly attacked.
Twenty-four leaseholders were injured, with 16 admitted to the upazila health complex. Residents claimed that at least eight members of the opposing group were also hurt, though that figure remains unverified.

Galachipa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ashadur Rahman said the situation was under control.

Parties Trade Allegations

Injured farmers alleged that Charbangla ward BNP president Anwar Howlader and his associates carried out the attack. They claimed the assault was intended to force them off the leased land.

Anwar Howlader rejected the claim, saying the disputed land previously contained their homes and that the confrontation began when others attempted to demolish structures and build new ones.

Charbiswas Union BNP president Baker Biswas said he was outside the area at the time and had already notified authorities after learning about the incident.

Authorities Say Mediation Was Already Attempted

Local political figures said the administration had recently tried to mediate a peaceful solution. According to Mahibullah Enim, vice-president of the district chapter of Juba Odhikar Parishad, a prior discussion had produced a temporary resolution.

Galachipa Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan said both sides had attended a formal meeting last Saturday in the presence of land officials and police. “A decision was made following the advice of the group that later carried out the attack,” he said, adding that strict legal action would follow.