Pabna, July 26 (V7N) — A violent clash over mosque construction in Tarapur village, Chakla Union of Bera Upazila, Pabna, left at least 20 people injured on Friday morning. Among the injured, five are in critical condition.

The incident occurred around 9 AM on July 25, when close to 200–250 individuals from opposing groups clashed over the proposed construction of a veranda for a newly built mosque. The conflict escalated into a bloody confrontation involving traditional weapons such as machetes (hasua), wooden clubs, and sticks.

Local police confirmed that two separate mosques exist in Tarapur — one old, one new. In the past, tensions arose when supporters of the old mosque and its then-cashier, Motin Haji, insisted on performing certain religious rites (kiyam) differently. As a result, the group led by Motin Haji constructed a new mosque.

Recently, residents initiated plans to build a veranda onto the new mosque. This sparked objections from the opposing faction, leading to the mass confrontation.

Police intervened and brought the situation under control. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer also visited the site to assess the aftermath.

The Bera Upazila Health Complex received 20 injured individuals; two remain hospitalized locally while five critically injured victims were transferred to hospitals in Bogura and Pabna General Hospital.

Dr. Tahmina Sultana Nila, Health and Family Planning Officer at the complex, confirmed that many sought treatment and that five patients in serious condition had been forwarded for advanced care.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Oliur Rahman of Bera Model Thana stated that long-standing disputes over religious practices had fuelled the clash. He added that the situation is now calm, additional police have been deployed in the area, and no arrests or formal complaints have been recorded so far.

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