Five killed in Noakhali land dispute clash

Five people were killed and at least 10 others injured in a gunfight between two rival groups over control of newly emerged land in Jaglar Char, Hatiya upazila, Noakhali district, on Tuesday.

The clash occurred around 10:00 am in Jaglar Char village, bordering wards 7 and 8 of Sukhchar Union.

The only identified victim is Alauddin (aged 35–40), son of Mohiuddin, from Char Aman Ullah village in ward 6 of Sukhchar Union. He was rushed to Noakhali General Hospital around 2:00 pm, where doctors declared him dead. The identities of the other four victims remain unknown as of Tuesday evening.

Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Alam confirmed the incident, stating that police were on the scene to recover bodies and maintain order.

According to police and local sources, the land in Jaglar Char has not been officially settled or leased by the government. Following political changes after August 5, 2025, the "Kopa Shamsu group" (from Jahajmara Union) occupied and sold portions of the land. In response, the "Alauddin group", from Sukhchar Union, attempted to seize control and sold plots at higher prices, leading to repeated tensions.

The longstanding dispute escalated into Tuesday's confrontation, where both sides exchanged gunfire.

Additional Superintendent of Police Abu Tayyab Mohammad Arif Hossain stated that four members of one group were killed by the rival side, with Alauddin also succumbing to injuries.

Police efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining victims, arrest those involved, and bring the situation under control.