At least three people have been killed and more than 100 injured in post-election violence across the country, despite the 13th parliamentary polls and referendum passing without major disruption on voting day.
Clashes, arson, vandalism and sporadic bomb explosions were reported in at least 19 districts, according to correspondents of TIMES of Bangladesh. Rival political groups — primarily supporters of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) — have traded accusations over responsibility for the unrest.
Police said they visited most affected areas but acknowledged that arrests have been limited in several incidents.
Deaths in three districts
In Bagerhat’s Kachua upazila, Osman Sardar, 29, a supporter of an independent candidate, died on Saturday at Khulna Medical College Hospital after being injured in clashes between BNP and rebel BNP supporters on Friday evening. At least seven people from both sides were hurt in the confrontation in Chhitabari village.
In Munshiganj, 30-year-old Md Jasim Nayeb, a supporter of an independent candidate, died after being beaten during a clash in Char Abdullah village. Family members alleged that hundreds of activists carrying BNP’s Paddy Sheaf symbol attacked their home following a dispute. He succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital later that evening.
In Mymensingh’s Haluaghat, a 12-year-old boy named Emon was allegedly beaten to death in a separate incident. His father, a BNP activist, claimed the attack followed political disagreements linked to voting preferences. Police said they were investigating the circumstances.
Explosions and bomb violence
In Madaripur, a three-hour clash between two local factions over territorial dominance led to the detonation of more than 100 crude bombs, according to police and witnesses. At least four people were injured. Joint forces, including the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, were deployed to restore order.
In Chapainawabganj, two unidentified men were killed when a cocktail bomb reportedly exploded while being manufactured inside a house in Fhatapara village. Three others were seriously injured and sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Police believe the injured individuals were involved in preparing explosives.
Elsewhere, crude bomb explosions and gunfire were reported during clashes in Natore’s Baraigram upazila, where at least six activists from BNP and Jamaat were injured following disputes linked to election campaigning and retaliation attacks.
Arson and targeted attacks
In Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya upazila, a shop belonging to a Jamaat activist was set on fire in Balukhali, destroying goods worth an estimated Tk500,000 to 600,000. The owner claimed he had been threatened for displaying campaign banners of a Jamaat candidate.
In Sirajganj town, masked attackers vandalised the Albert Energy CNG filling station late at night after the election. The station’s owner, a district Awami League leader, claimed losses of nearly Tk 30 million. Gas supply was suspended for two days, affecting commuters.
In Jhalakathi’s Kathalia upazila, homes and businesses linked to Jamaat activists were attacked and vandalised, leaving at least two women injured. Police said two BNP activists had been arrested in connection with the case. Similar incidents were reported in Rajapur, where a Jamaat leader’s home and business premises were targeted.
In Patuakhali’s Bauphal upazila, local BNP leaders alleged that Jamaat activists attacked party offices, homes and businesses after a Jamaat candidate won the seat. They demanded swift intervention from law enforcement agencies.
In Rangpur’s Haragachh area, NCP leaders alleged that BNP activists carried out widespread vandalism and looting at the homes of NCP and Jamaat supporters after preliminary results indicated a BNP government formation. Police confirmed that their vehicles were also attacked when they attempted to inspect damaged properties.
Conflicting claims and political tensions
Across districts including Narail, Pabna, Panchagarh, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Pirojpur, Chandpur and Narayanganj, rival groups accused one another of orchestrating attacks on homes, party offices and businesses.
In Narail, at least 14 people, including women, were injured in clashes between supporters of the BNP’s Paddy Sheaf symbol and an independent candidate backed by the Pitcher symbol. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the violence.
In Pabna, BNP activists staged demonstrations and surrounded the district administration office demanding vote recounts in two constituencies. Security forces tightened protection around government offices, while defeated candidates submitted formal appeals to election authorities.
In Panchagarh, NCP leaders alleged more than 30 attacks on their activists. BNP leaders denied the accusations, claiming their own supporters had been assaulted.
In Chuadanga and Pirojpur, Jamaat and BNP supporters separately accused each other of beatings and property destruction following the announcement of results.
Police officials in several districts said they had not received formal written complaints in some cases but pledged to investigate if such complaints were filed.
Security response
Additional police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in many affected areas to prevent further escalation. In Madaripur and Chapainawabganj, joint forces remained on standby as tensions simmered.
Senior police officers in multiple districts acknowledged the volatile atmosphere but maintained that overall law and order was under control.
