Two groups of a local businessman, and a union parishad chairman locked in clashes on Tuesday night over distribution of profits made from a makeshift cattle market set up for Eid-ul-Azha in Rajbari Sadar.

Dadshi Union Parishad Chairman Delowar Sheikh, 45, and three others from his family sustained injuries during the clash. Delowar suffered machete strikes on both sides of his waist as well as his right thigh.

His brother, sister and son are receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The opposite group was led by Saudi expatriate and businessman Akbar Khan. Three of Akbar’s relatives: his elder brother, and two nephews suffered serious injuries during the clash.

Akbar claimed he phoned Delowar Sheikh urging him to share some of the cattle market proceeds with those who toiled at the market, but Delowar was resolved to keep all the money to himself.

Delowar and his injured brother alleged also scolded Akbar using expletives.

Locals told reporters that they had pleaded with Akbar to talk with the UP chairman on their behalf for securing their fair share in the proceeds.

Akbar holds some sway over local socio-political issues and his brother Belayet is expected to contest as a chairman candidate in the next Dadshi union parishad elections.

Later, Akbar went to the chairman’s house with some supporters to discuss the issue in-person. Hasan, the chairman’s later injured brother, aggressively approached the visiting team with a knife apparently to hurt Akbar.

The freshly elected Rajbari Sadar Upazila vice chairman intervened to move Akbar out of harm’s way. In the ensuring battle seven sustained injuries.

Later on Wednesday, UP Chairman Delowar’s supporters again attacked Akbar’s relatives, this time damaging the car used for transporting Akbar’s sister-in-law from a village to Rajbari municipality. The car was later taken to Rajbari Sadar Police Station.

Rajbari Sadar Police Station officers said the UP chairman has taken preparations to file a complaint. Necessary actions would be taken afterwards, the officers told reporters.