Hill Voice, 12 August 2026, Sherpur: A group of Bengalis from a neighboring village allegedly attacked a local Garo settlement in East Gajarikura-Bandadhara area of Jhenaigati Upazila under Sherpur district, following the recovery of an unidentified Bengali man’s body.
The attack reportedly took place at around 2:00 p.m. on August 12, leaving several people injured. According to victims, the attackers vandalized six houses, set fire to furniture in one house, and looted four cows, 10 goats, a motorcycle and other valuables.
During the incident, several people were reportedly locked inside the house of local resident Asim Mrong. A representative of a Garo student organization said some passersby from nearby villages were also stopped but were released after their identities were confirmed.
After receiving the news, the Sherpur Deputy Commissioner (DC), Superintendent of Police (SP), a priest from the local Christian mission and leaders of the Indigenous Village Council visited the area and jointly rescued those who had been locked inside. However, local residents alleged that Bandadhara village remains largely restricted, with residents facing obstacles to normal movement. They also alleged that several people taken to the police station for questioning have not been allowed to meet their relatives.
Although the situation has somewhat improved, fear and uncertainty persist in Bandadhara and neighboring Indigenous villages. Garo community leaders have called for the restrictions on the village to be lifted and for residents’ safety to be ensured.
