What Happened During the Clash Between BNP and Jamaat Workers in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Violent clashes between political party supporters can escalate quickly.
- At least 25 injuries were reported during the incident.
- The unrest highlights growing political tensions in Bangladesh.
- Local authorities are struggling to maintain order amid increasing violence.
- The upcoming elections are casting a shadow over political interactions.
Dhaka, Nov 28 (NationPress) A violent clash in Bangladesh has led to injuries for at least 25 individuals following a confrontation between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami during an election campaign in the Pabna district. Reports from local media indicate that the violence erupted on Thursday afternoon in Char Gargari village of Sahapur Union. Both factions have accused each other of instigating the attack.
Seven of the injured individuals were transported to the Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, while the others received initial treatment at various private clinics.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) ASM Abdun Nur of Ishwardi Police Station confirmed the event, stating that police arrived promptly after being alerted and attempted to restore order.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by Bangladesh’s Prothom Alo, the clash began when Jamaat’s candidate Abu Taleb Mondal attempted to campaign in the area but encountered resistance from supporters of the BNP candidate.
After a brief confrontation, Mondal departed, but hostilities resumed as he was leaving, resulting in reported gunfire and damage to several motorcycles, including his own.
Jamaat candidate Mondal claimed that he and his supporters had arrived in the village with around 150 motorcycles as part of their scheduled campaign. He alleged that they were attacked by BNP supporters, who opened fire and vandalized their vehicles, leading to injuries for around 50 supporters, with six suffering gunshot wounds. The injured were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, while others are receiving local treatment.
In an interview with Prothom Alo, BNP candidate Habibur Rahman accused Jamaat’s female activists of conducting door-to-door campaigning, offering “tickets to heaven” in exchange for votes. He stated that when local BNP leaders voiced their objections, Mondal arrived in the village with an armed group, leading to a violent response from Jamaat supporters against BNP activists, resulting in injuries.
Political violence has been escalating in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus as the country approaches the February 2026 election.
The parties that once united to oust the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, are now in fierce conflict.