At least 25 people, including police officers and journalists, were injured in clashes between two groups of villagers in Maheshwardi village of Bhanga upazila, Faridpur, on Sunday morning. The violence erupted around 8 a.m. over an anti-drug rally, leading to vandalism of homes and shops. Police intervened to control the situation as the Bhanga-Faridpur-Barishal highway became severely congested, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

According to police and local sources, the conflict stemmed from a dispute over local dominance following an anti-drug meeting held at Kalam Kazi’s house on Friday. On Saturday evening, an attack on Delwar Mia’s home allegedly by supporters of Khokon Mia escalated tensions, culminating in armed clashes at Pukhuria bus stand the next morning. The violence spread to nearby villages, involving stone-throwing and property damage.

Three seriously injured individuals were admitted to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex. Police said they are working to restore order as investigations continue into the causes of the confrontation.