According to police, tensions had been simmering for days between the ‘Picchi Raja’ and ‘Bunia Sohel’ groups over the retail sale of drugs in the camp. This ongoing rivalry led to Monday’s clash, resulting in the death of Shah Alam, who was reportedly a follower of the Bunia Sohel group.
Residents of the camp reported that the two groups engaged in a violent confrontation on Monday morning, involving chases, brick-throwing, and cocktail bomb explosions. A similar incident occurred the previous night, Sunday, when a woman was injured in a cocktail bomb explosion. Locals stated that the situation temporarily calms down when police or army personnel intervene, but clashes resume after they leave.
Deputy Commissioner of Tejgaon Division, Ibne Mizan, told Prothom Alo that the clash stemmed from a dispute over drug sales and establishing dominance in the camp. He confirmed that additional police forces have been deployed to the area, and operations are ongoing to apprehend others involved in the incident.
Police noted that in 2024, during a period of political unrest, multiple clashes and fatalities occurred in the camp over drug trafficking. Several individuals were arrested during crackdowns at the time. Recently, some drug dealers released on bail have resumed engaging in drug sales and other criminal activities.
Local residents reported that on Thursday night, a cocktail bomb exploded during a wedding ceremony near Chua Selim’s hideout in Pakka Camp, injuring two people. They alleged that Bunia Sohel himself detonated the bomb before fleeing the scene. Since then, sporadic explosions and violence have continued across various parts of the camp.
