Student shot during gang clash outside school in Cumilla

A 12-year-old student was critically wounded by a stray bullet during a violent clash between two rival groups outside his school in Cumilla city, Bangladesh. The incident occurred on Thursday while students were on their tiffin break.

The victim, Ethan Ahmed, a sixth-grader at Katabil Rafiq Uddin Memorial High School, was shot in the back and initially taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital. His condition deteriorated, requiring referral to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

“

My son had gone out during the school break to get some food. He was shot in the back.

Local sources indicate the clashes stem from long-standing disputes between the Opu and Sabibor groups over alleged drug trafficking and control of the Katabil area. Tensions reportedly began Wednesday night and escalated with the detonation of crude bombs. The violence continued Thursday morning, with gunfire erupting again after locals formed a human chain to protest the ongoing conflict.

“

The situation is now under control. We are identifying those involved and taking legal action.

"My son had gone out during the school break to get some food. He was shot in the back," Ethan's mother, Sonia Akter, said. Police confirmed the student was shot in the back, and doctors stated the bullet damaged his lung.

In response, additional police and the Rapid Action Battalion have been deployed. Police stated the situation is under control and legal action is being taken against those involved. The clash is believed to be rooted in drug-related and territorial disputes between the two groups.

“

Police have learned that the student was shot in the back, the OC added.