Dispute over distribution of sacrificial meat triggers clash in Faridpur, 28 injured

A dispute over whether sacrificial meat would be distributed at the mosque or from individual homes led villagers in Bhanga Upazila to skip Eid-ul-Azha prayers and engage in a violent clash, leaving at least 28 people injured.

The incident took place around 8:00am on Thursday (28 May) at the Eidgah ground in East Aruakandi village under Algi Union. Instead of offering Eid prayers and performing animal sacrifices, members of two rival groups became involved in a confrontation that later turned violent.

According to local residents and police, villagers in East Aruakandi are divided into two factions — the “Molla group” led by Kamruzzaman Molla and the “Matubbar group” led by Jahangir Matubbar.

Traditionally, the portion of sacrificial meat reserved for the poor is collected together and distributed centrally within the village. This year, disagreement arose over whether the meat should be distributed from the mosque or separately from individual homes.

The argument escalated shortly before the Eid prayers and eventually turned into a clash. Members of both groups reportedly armed themselves with locally made weapons, including machetes, sharp farming tools, shields, sticks, and bricks.

The violence spread panic throughout the village as the two sides chased each other and attacked several homes, vandalizing four to five houses during the clash.

At least 28 people were injured, several of whom were admitted to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex for treatment, while others received primary medical care there.

Ward No. 2 member of Algi Union Parishad, Mujibor Molla, described the incident as extremely unfortunate. He said it was unacceptable for such violence to occur on Eid day over a minor disagreement regarding meat distribution, especially before Eid prayers or sacrifices had even taken place.