In Bangladesh, at least five people were shot dead and more than 10 others injured in violent clashes between two rival groups over control of char land in Noakhali’s Hatiya upazila yesterday. Police said the violence erupted on Jaglar Char, a newly emerged island in the Meghna River, where a long-running dispute between the Kopa Shamsu alias Shamsuddin group and the Alauddin group escalated into repeated clashes and exchanges of gunfire. Police said leaders of both groups were among those killed.

 

While authorities have confirmed five deaths, local sources claimed the toll may be higher. Due to the area’s remote riverine location, the incident came to light hours later. Police and Coast Guard personnel reached the spot in the afternoon, and efforts were underway to recover the bodies.