Social Dynamics of Frequent Clashes in Rural Bangladesh: A Study on Brahmanbaria District

Abstract

Rural conflicts are becoming more intensive in recent years, predominantly political conflicts are increasing in Bangladesh. Recently, few clashes in Brahmanbaria districts gained widespread momentum in the whole country. According to a report, a total of 1437 clashes occurred in the last 2 years, which caused 151 death and many injuries. Some conflicts were assumed to be clan-based (ghosti) and strengthened by the aim of establishing supremacy in the area by local elites. No study has been conducted on this issue previously concerning the causes and consequences of this frequent violence. So, the study aims to explore the nature and pattern of frequent clashes and provide some recommendations based on the findings. The present study adopted qualitative methods. Primary data were collected from five selected villages from Sarail Upazila where conflicts broke out the most. Initially, the researchers used the participant observation method for understanding the issue and locating the respondents for the interview. Then, data were collected using in-depth interviews, Key informant interviews, and Focus group discussion methods. Findings of the study suggest that conflicts in Brahmanbaria are a deep-rooted problem. There are no specific causes or patterns of these clashes, yet the participation of people in these clashes increasing. Conflict breaks out for a minimal matter, later local clans and villagers join in the mob. Often, these clashes end with mutual agreement mediated by the village headman, but the animosity between or among groups remains the same which causes further clashes.