A former union parishad (UP) chairman was killed and 30 others were injured in clashes over land disputes in Habiganj and Sunamganj districts on Tuesday.

In Habiganj, two rival groups clashed over capture of disputed land at Bhadoi village in Sadar upazila in the morning, leaving exchairman Eshaque Miah, 60, of Gopaya Union (UP) Parishad dead and 10 others injured.

Witnesses said there had been a longstanding dispute between one Manik Miah and Eshaque over a piece of land at the village.

The supporters of the two, equipped with sharp weapons, locked in a clash as they tried to capture the land at around 10:00am. At least 11 people, including

ex-UP chairman Eshaque, Miah were injuried during the clash.

Eshaque was rushed to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at night.

Three of the injured-Manik Miah, 30, Idris Miah, 45, and Shipa, 20-were admitted to Habiganj Sadar Adhunik Hospital while the rest given first aid.

Police arrested one Bachchu Miah from the village, suspecting his involvement in the clash.

In Sunamganj, At least 20 people were injured in a clash over disputed land at Nagorpur village in Tahirpur upazila of the district on the day.

Of the injured, two were admitted to Sadar Hospital, five to the upazila health complex while the rest given

first aid at the heath complex and private clinics.

Officer-in-charge (OC) Mollah Monir Hossain of Tahirpur Police Station said there had been a longstanding dispute between Saiful Islam and Kafil Uddin of the village over a piece of land.

As Saiful and his men went to cultivate the land at around 1:00pm, Kafil and his supporters swooped on their rivals, prompting them to retaliate.

At least 20 people from both sides were injured during the clash that continued for half an hour. Being informed, police rushed to the spot, dispersed the clashing groups and brought the situation under control.

No case in connection with the incident was filed with the police station concerned as of 5:00pmyesterday.