PABNA, July 27 (V7N) – A longstanding religious dispute in Tarapur village under Bera Upazila of Pabna erupted into deadly violence over the construction of a mosque verandah, prompting the local administration to impose Section 144 to restore order. Clashes, arson, and looting broke out between two opposing factions on Friday and Saturday, resulting in one death and dozens of injuries.
 
On Sunday morning, Bera Upazila Nirbahi Officer, (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Md. Morshedul Islam issued an order enforcing Section 144 under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. The restriction, effective from 10:00 AM on July 27 to 10:00 AM on July 28, prohibits gatherings of more than five people, use of loudspeakers, carrying weapons or sticks, and all forms of public assembly or demonstrations.
 
The conflict dates back several years to a disagreement over the practice of Qiyam during religious gatherings in the village’s original mosque. One faction, led by then mosque cashier Matin Pramanik, supported the practice and eventually constructed a new mosque. Tensions reignited recently when Matin’s group began constructing a verandah at the new mosque—an act opposed by the rival group, who objected to having two mosques in the same village.
 
Violence first erupted on the morning of Friday, July 25, when construction work began. The opposing group intervened, and both sides clashed with makeshift weapons including sickles, spears, and sticks. Police were deployed to control the violence, but not before at least 20 people were injured, five of them critically. Several were admitted to Bogura Shaheed Zia Medical College Hospital and Pabna General Hospital.
 
On Saturday, one of the critically injured—Hadis Pramanik, 40—died during treatment in Bogura. News of his death triggered another wave of violence later that afternoon. Enraged supporters of the deceased attacked approximately 20 houses in the village, looting, vandalizing, and setting them on fire. Police and army personnel intervened again to disperse the mob and restore order.
 
Two separate cases have been filed at Bera Model Police Station by both factions. Abdul Matin Pramanik filed the first complaint, naming 32 individuals and 8–10 unidentified persons. The second case was filed by Hosne Ara Khatun, wife of Shah Alam from the rival group, naming 52 individuals and 15–20 unidentified assailants. The cases were registered as Case Nos. 6 and 7 respectively.
 
Police have arrested one suspect, Selim Hossain, 48, son of the late Sultan Hossain from Tarapur village, named in the case filed by Matin Pramanik. Selim is reportedly affiliated with Hosne Ara’s group and was sent to jail on Sunday following a court appearance.
 
Local authorities confirmed that the situation remains tense. Security patrols by police and army have been intensified throughout the area. As of Sunday evening, no case has been filed by the family of the deceased, according to Bera Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge, (OC) Oliur Rahman. He added that efforts to arrest others involved are ongoing.
 
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