Why Were Five People, Including a Child, Injured in a Shooting During an Election Campaign?
Synopsis
In a shocking incident, five people were injured, including a child, when unidentified attackers opened fire during an election campaign in the Ali Khali Rohingya camp area of Teknaf upazila, Bangladesh. As political violence escalates ahead of the elections, the situation raises concerns over safety and peace during the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
Five injured in a shooting during an election campaign.
Incident occurred at the Ali Khali Rohingya camp in Teknaf.
Political violence has surged ahead of upcoming elections.
Human rights organizations are raising concerns over safety.
Journalists are increasingly targeted during political unrest.
Dhaka, Feb 6 (NationPress) Five individuals, including a child, sustained injuries when unidentified gunmen opened fire amidst an election campaign in the Ali Khali Rohingya camp region of Teknaf upazila in Bangladesh's Cox’s Bazar, as reported by local media on Friday.
The shooting occurred in Block A/04 of Camp-25 within the Ali Khali Rohingya camp on Thursday around 8:30 pm (local time). The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Teknaf Model police station, Mohammad Saiful Islam, verified the incident to the Dhaka Tribune.
The victims included two Rohingya individuals and three Bangladeshi citizens. Witnesses recounted that an election campaign was underway on a truck featuring the paddy symbol in the Ali Khali area on Thursday night. A group of assailants opened fire on the truck as a crowd gathered nearby, resulting in five injuries.
With elections scheduled for February 12, political violence in Bangladesh has sharply escalated, with casualties in January significantly surpassing those in December 2025, according to reports from a Dhaka-based human rights organization.
The rights group, 'Ain o Salish Kendra' (ASK), noted a dramatic increase in political violence during January, documenting 75 incidents that led to 616 injuries and 11 fatalities. This is a stark rise compared to just 18 incidents in December 2025, which resulted in 268 injuries and four deaths, as reported by another leading daily, The Daily Star.
The data revealed that clashes intensified following the announcement of the election schedule and the initiation of campaigning on January 22.
ASK reported that between January 21-31, four people lost their lives, and 414 others were injured in 49 clashes, indicating a worrying trend as polling day approaches.
Moreover, the rights group highlighted that journalists are also becoming targets amid the surge in political violence, with 11 journalists encountering obstruction or assault while on duty in December last year — a number that rose to 16 in January.
Expressing alarm at the escalating violence, the rights organization urged political factions to exercise restraint and foster peace during the campaign. They also called upon law enforcement to protect citizens and uphold their constitutional rights.
Point of View
I firmly believe that the recent surge in political violence is alarming. Our nation must prioritize the safety and constitutional rights of its citizens during this critical electoral period. Political parties should engage in peaceful campaigning, fostering an environment of respect and safety in order to uphold the democratic process.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the election campaign in Teknaf?
Five individuals, including a child, were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire during an election campaign in the Ali Khali Rohingya camp area.
What is the current political violence situation in Bangladesh?
Political violence has escalated sharply, with multiple incidents reported leading up to the elections scheduled for February 12.
What has been reported by human rights organizations?
Organizations like Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) have documented a significant rise in political violence, emphasizing the need for peace during the campaign.
How are journalists affected by this violence?
Journalists have also faced increased risks, with reports of obstruction and assault during their duties amidst the rising political tensions.
What is being done to address this violence?
Rights groups are urging political parties to exercise restraint and calling on law enforcement to protect citizens and uphold their rights.
