Dhaka, Feb 1 (NationPress) An election campaign office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was subject to vandalism in the Nawabganj upazila of Dinajpur, Bangladesh, amidst escalating political tensions as the national elections approach, as reported by local media on Sunday.

The Dhaka Tribune reported that the incident transpired at the BNP office situated in the Dolardarga region of Putimari Union within the Dinajpur-6 constituency, which includes Birampur, Nawabganj, Ghoraghat, and Hakimpur. Eyewitnesses claim that activists from Jamaat-e-Islami launched an attack on the office, damaging furniture and ripping down banners and campaign materials. Two BNP activists present during the incident were reportedly assaulted as well.

In a statement to the press, Nure Alam Siddiqui, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Nawabganj Police Station, mentioned that earlier that afternoon, BNP supporters loyal to Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a candidate from the party, had organized a campaign procession promoting the party’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.

The OC explained that following the Maghrib prayers, supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Anwarul Islam commenced a roadside campaign meeting near the BNP office. An argument arose between the two factions regarding microphone usage during the campaign. This disagreement escalated into violence, with Jamaat activists allegedly attacking two BNP workers and vandalizing the campaign office, he stated.

In response to the chaos, Zillur Rahman, the Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer, indicated that personnel from the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and Ansar were deployed to the area to avert any further disturbances and maintain public order.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising political tensions as election campaigning intensifies nationwide ahead of the February 12 national elections.

Earlier this month, as campaign activities commenced, the BNP issued a veiled warning to Jamaat-e-Islami, urging voters to avoid “ruining the country” by supporting parties they claimed collaborated with Pakistani occupation forces during the 1971 Liberation War.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made these comments while addressing an election gathering at the BD High School grounds in Thakurgaon district’s Sadar upazila, where he is contesting for the Thakurgaon-1 constituency. “Those who aided the Pakistan Army until the last moment are now seeking votes to lead the nation. Don’t harm the nation by voting for them,” quoted The Daily Star.

Political analysts suggest that the Dinajpur incident highlights the increasing volatility of campaign activities as rival parties ramp up their efforts ahead of polling day.