A clash erupted between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists in Hatibandha, Lalmonirhat, on Sunday afternoon, leading to injuries on both sides.
Centring around election campaigning in the area, the clash injured at least 10 people, with three motorcycles vandalised during the scuffle.
Additional police have been deployed in the area to avert further untoward incidents.
According to local sources, the incident began in the Kasaitari area of Tongbhanga Union, Hatibandha Upazila, on Sunday afternoon. Several female activists of Jamaat-e-Islami had gone to campaign at the house of Azim Uddin in the area.
An argument ensued when people in the surrounding area inquired about their identity. Upon hearing the news, local leaders and activists of Jamaat and BNP arrived at the scene, further escalating the situation.
An argument erupted between both sides, with activists chasing each other with handmade weapons and sticks. During the clash, which lasted for about an hour, at least ten people from both sides were injured, including volunteer team leader Kajol, his son, and former Shibir leader Nazir.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at various clinics, including the Hatibandha Upazila Health Complex.
On a tip off, local police arrived at the scene and attempted to bring the situation under control. Later, Lalmonirhat District Administrator HM Rokib Haider and Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman visited the site.
Regarding this, Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Md Asaduzzaman said, “We are working with the aim of holding the national election in a festive environment. Today’s clash incident is extremely regrettable. An impartial investigation into the incident will be conducted, and strict measures will be taken against the offenders.”
He added that no leniency will be shown to those who disrupt the election environment, urging local residents to be patient and not take the law into their own hands.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haider stated that after visiting the site and speaking with both parties, instructions have been given to maintain peace in the area. He assured that maximum efforts will be made to maintain the election environment.
In the Lalmonirhat-1 (Hatibandha-Patgram) constituency, a total of 9 candidates, including from BNP, Jamaat, and Jatiya Party, are contesting in the upcoming election, scheduled to take place on 12 February.
This clash ahead of the upcoming election has generated concerns among local voters.
