At least five villages in Goalnagar union of Brahmanbaria’s Nasirnagar upazila have been left without men following a recent clash between two groups over an election dispute and local dominance that left three people killed.
Even five days after the incident, no case has yet been filed over the killings. In the absence of men, women are now living in deep concern over their safety and livelihoods.
On March 24, the clash in Goalnagar left three people, including a mosque's imam, dead and at least 100 others injured. Additional police have since been deployed in the area to maintain order.
A visit to Goalnagar, Dakhhindiya and Mashma villages today revealed deserted surroundings. Police have taken position near Goalnagar High School and the adjoining market, with regular patrols. However, there is hardly any male presence in the villages.
Many houses were locked, while in others only women and children remain.
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According to locals, around 5,000 men from five villages -- Goalnagar, Mashma, Dakhhindiya, Shimerkandi and Laluartek -- have gone into hiding to avoid arrest.
“With no men around, it has become difficult for us to manage daily life,” said Mariam Begum, a resident of Dakhhindiya village.
She added, “Buying essentials, arranging food -- everything is a struggle. We feel scared staying at home alone. We are now doing the farm work ourselves. Overall, we are going through a very difficult time.”
Md Faizul Islam, a trader at the local market and a resident of Dakhhindiya village, said, “The people here have never witnessed such killings. With the area now without men, there is growing concern over harvesting paddy from nearly 10,000 bigha of land.”
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A visit to Goalnagar market found almost all shops closed. Gaur Chan Sarkar, owner of a grocery shop, said, “The once-busy market has fallen silent, which feels unsettling. Incidents of theft at night have also increased.”
Police said they are working to maintain law and order. So far, 20 people have been detained in connection with the incident.
Contacted, Md Shahinur Islam, officer-in-charge of Nasirnagar Police Station, told The Daily Star that no case has been filed yet, but the situation is currently under control.
