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dozens of injured people were brought in for treatment.

“Two people came in critical condition and were referred to Dhaka for advanced care,” said resident medical officer Shafiqul Islam. Many others received treatment locally for injuries caused by spears, sticks, and other weapons.

According to SP Shah Md Abdur Rauf, the clashes trace back to the national elections on February 12.

On that day, a BNP supporter, Ziaur Rahman, was detained over alleged irregularities at a polling centre, and was later sentenced to 10 days jail by a mobile court.

His associates suspected that Shishu Mia, a supporter of independent candidate Kamruzzaman Mamun, was behind his arrest, triggering tension between two local groups. Mediation by local leaders and MP Rahim Talukdar temporarily eased the situation, but underlying grievances persisted.

The police official said additional forces have been deployed to restore order.

Earlier, on March 17, at least 25 people were injured in similar clashes over the same dispute.