Human Chain Protest in Narail Over Alleged Involvement of Pateshwari Residents in Satbaria Dispute

Photo: CNI

Narail Correspondent: A press conference and human chain protest were held in protest against the alleged involvement of innocent residents of the neighboring Pateshwari village in a dispute between two groups in Satbaria village under Panchgram Union of Kalia Upazila, Narail.

The residents of Pateshwari village, who claimed to be victims, organized the program on Saturday (June 20) at around 12:00 noon.

During the hour-long human chain, participants stood hand in hand and addressed the gathering. Speakers included Selim Sheikh, Member of Ward No. 6 of Panchgram Union Parishad, along with local residents Ashikur Rahman, Zakir Hossain, Russell Fakir, and others.

The speakers said that recently a dispute arose between the Faraji and Mollah families of Satbaria village over land measurement issues. The conflict later turned into clashes and incidents of house vandalism. Both sides filed counter-allegations against each other.

They alleged that later, members of the Faraji group accused several people from the neighboring Pateshwari village through social media and statements to the media. However, they claimed that those individuals from Pateshwari were not involved in the incident.

Selim Sheikh, Member of Ward No. 6 of Panchgram Union Parishad, said, “A dispute over land issues between the Mollah and Faraji families in Satbaria village led to attacks and vandalism of houses. Taking advantage of this incident, the Faraji group is trying to involve innocent people from Pateshwari village. They are posting on social media and submitting complaints to different authorities. They are accusing people who were not involved.”

He added, “We are residents of a neighboring village. No one from our village is involved in their dispute. We want a fair investigation into the matter.”

Another speaker from Pateshwari village, Ashikur Rahman, said that after hearing about the clash, they went to the spot on humanitarian grounds and helped take injured people to the hospital. However, he claimed that they were later portrayed as supporters of the Mollah family and attempts were being made to involve them in cases.

He demanded a neutral investigation to uncover the actual facts and urged authorities not to harass innocent people.

The speakers said that attempts to shift the responsibility of the Satbaria village dispute onto ordinary people of neighboring villages must be stopped. They also called for administrative intervention in the matter.