Arson, vandalism over fatwa banning music

A clash between two factions of the BNP over the issuance of a fatwa escalated into violence in Shailkupa, Jhenaidah, leaving seven people injured. 

At least 30 houses were vandalised, and two were set on fire in Satgachhi village. Police and army personnel have been deployed to restore order.

Locals reported that the conflict began on Friday during Jumu'ah prayers at the mosque in Satgachhi village. 

The mosque’s muezzin and general secretary of the mosque committee, Imam Hakim Mollah, issued a fatwa declaring singing and playing music as haram. 

This sparked a verbal altercation inside the mosque between two groups, which later extended to supporters of district unit Krishak Dal convener Osman Ali and Shailkupa thana unit BNP vice-president Khalilur Rahman.

The tension escalated on Friday night as both groups chased each other. The situation worsened on Saturday morning, leading to clashes that continued until noon. 

During the violence, 30 houses belonging to members of both factions were vandalized, and two homes were set on fire.

At the time of reporting, members of both groups were seen roaming village intersections and fields armed with sharp weapons and bags full of bricks.

Efforts to reach Osman Ali and Khalilur Rahman for comments were unsuccessful as their phones were found disconnected.

Shailkupa Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Masum Khan confirmed that the police had intervened to bring the situation under control. "Additional police forces have been deployed to ensure peace in the area," he added.

The unrest highlights the volatile political atmosphere and the risks of factional disputes spilling into broader violence in rural communities.