Tension erupted between residents of Monkhali and Shamlapur in Baharchhara union of Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar over a longstanding dispute, with allegations of people being mobilised through loudspeaker announcements to prepare for a clash.

A major confrontation was averted following swift intervention by the army, local representatives and community leaders.

Tensions resurfaced on Tuesday evening, November 3, prompting an army team to reach the area as fears grew that the situation could spiral out of control.

According to local sources, the dispute began on October 25 following an argument between a CNG-run auto-rickshaw line attendant from Shamlapur and a resident of Monkhali. The Monkhali resident alleged that he was slapped during the altercation.

The following evening, several Monkhali residents allegedly stopped CNG-run auto-rickshaws and passengers returning to Shamlapur from Cox’s Bazar. The vehicles were later released following the intervention of Baharchhara Investigation Centre personnel and local community members.

The latest incident occurred around 7pm on Tuesday at Shamlapur Bazar, when an argument between Salah Uddin of Monkhali and retired army personnel Tayeb of Shamlapur reportedly escalated into a physical altercation.

Following the incident, Salah Uddin allegedly returned to Monkhali and used a loudspeaker to mobilise local residents, further escalating tensions between the two areas.

Residents said people from both sides began preparing for a confrontation, with some carrying machetes, spades and sticks.

Local residents expressed concern over the escalation of a minor dispute and called for an effective resolution to prevent further unrest.

Baharchhara Union Parishad Chairman Amjad Hossain Khokon said he informed army personnel stationed at Bara Deil after the situation became tense.

“An army team and I rushed to the spot. With the assistance of the Baharchhara Investigation Centre, local representatives and community leaders took initiatives to calm both sides,” he said.