Ukhiya, Nov 12 (V7N) – Two rival groups allegedly staged an open display of firearms and locally made weapons and exchanged gunfire at a crowded market in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Wednesday afternoon, triggering panic among local residents and traders.
The incident took place around 3:30 pm at Bot Toli Station in Anjumanpara, Palongkhali Union, involving supporters of former Chhatra Dal leader Zainal Abedin Joy and a group reportedly aligned with local Jubo Dal leader Abul Faiz.
According to local residents and eyewitnesses, the two groups have been involved in a longstanding dispute over control of drug trafficking and smuggling routes along the Myanmar border, as well as local dominance. The rivalry reportedly escalated on Wednesday when members of both groups gathered at the station carrying firearms and locally made weapons.
Witnesses said the groups confronted each other, followed by an exchange of approximately 10 to 12 rounds of gunfire. No casualties were reported.
Eyewitnesses alleged that several people from Joy's group were seen carrying firearms and shooting towards their rivals. A video showing a man identified as Munna allegedly firing a weapon in public has already circulated on social media. Munna and several others were also reportedly seen openly displaying single-shot guns and locally made firearms at the station.
Local sources said Joy, Munna and their associates were present at the station with weapons when the confrontation with supporters of Abul Faiz took place, creating panic among shopkeepers and ordinary people.
Upon receiving the information, a team of Ukhiya Police Station and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-64 rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. It was not immediately known whether anyone had been arrested in connection with the incident.
When contacted, former Chhatra Dal leader Zainal Abedin Joy did not directly comment on his alleged involvement in the firing. He said he was attending a meeting at the residence of Upazila BNP President Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury and would respond later.
Several attempts to contact Jubo Dal leader Abul Faiz for comment went unanswered.
M. Moktar Ahmed, joint organizing secretary of Cox’s Bazar district BNP, said he had heard about the exchange of gunfire between supporters of former Upazila Chhatra Dal leader Zainal Abedin Joy and Palongkhali Union Jubo Dal leader Abul Faiz.
“Organizational action will be taken against those involved in the incident. No one responsible for deteriorating the law and order situation will be spared,” he said.
Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Atikur Rahman Mazumder confirmed the incident, saying police were sent to the scene after reports of public gunfire. BGB personnel were also working to maintain law and order.
He said legal action would be taken against those involved.
The incident has raised security concerns among residents, who have demanded a fair investigation, identification of those carrying illegal weapons and prompt action against everyone involved.
The area remained tense until 8:30 pm when this report was filed.
END/MSI/SMA/
