At least 3 killed nationwide, over 200 injured, vandalism and looting reported across the country

The BNP and Jamaat have been involved in post-election violence surrounding the 13th National Parliamentary Election, with clashes, attacks, vandalism, and looting reported in various districts across the country. At least three people have been killed and more than two hundred injured. Within 48 hours after the election, 76 incidents of violence occurred. Counter-allegations, gunfire and the use of locally made weapons, along with the ransacking of houses and business establishments, have created a tense situation in several areas. Police Headquarters has issued a stern warning to maintain normal law and order after the election.

Mymensingh and Munshiganj Fatalities

In Haluaghat of Mymensingh, a child has allegedly been beaten to death. Locals said the child was killed during clashes stemming from an electoral dispute, and several others were injured in the incident. In Munshiganj Sadar, one person was killed in a clash between two groups. The victim’s family alleged that the opposing side used crude bombs and sharp weapons; however, police said the incident might also be linked to a family or local dispute and that an investigation is underway.

Repeated Attacks in Jhenaidah, Patuakhali, and Bagerhat

In Kaliganj of Jhenaidah, an attack was carried out on an election office, and several people were hacked and beaten. In Bauphal and Galachipa of Patuakhali, allegations have been made of attacks and vandalism on party offices, houses, and business establishments. In Bagerhat Sadar, Morelganj, and Sharankhola, multiple houses were ransacked in retaliatory attacks, with both sides blaming each other. Police have detained one or two individuals in several incidents. In Kachua upazila of Bagerhat, Osman Sardar (29), a supporter of a BNP ‘rebel’ candidate, was killed in post-election violence.

Chuadanga, Pabna, and Jhalokathi

In Alamdanga of Chuadanga, at least 10 people were reportedly injured in an attack following the announcement of results. In Atgharia of Pabna, party offices and houses were vandalized. In Rajapur of Jhalokathi, allegations have been made of attacks on a leader’s house and business establishment. Local administration officials said legal action would be taken upon receiving written complaints in most cases.

Pirojpur, Chandpur, and Narayanganj

In Indurkani and Nazirpur of Pirojpur, beatings and vandalism occurred over electoral disputes, and several people received hospital treatment. In Faridganj of Chandpur, houses and party offices were attacked, injuring several people including a child. In Narayanganj, allegations were made of attacks on supporters of an independent candidate and vandalism of houses; the opposing side denied these allegations. Police said that in several incidents there were also elements of family or local disputes.

Intense Clashes in Barishal and Natore

In Banaripara of Barishal, at least six people were injured in clashes between activists of two groups. The injured were treated at the Upazila Health Complex and Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

In Dhanaidah village of Baraigram in Natore, 10 to 13 people were reported injured in clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters. The clash reportedly spread following an argument during a “compromise meeting” at the market; locals claimed that several rounds of gunshots were heard. Multiple houses and shops were allegedly vandalized. Police arrested four people and stated that the situation was under control.

Administrative Position

Police Headquarters has issued a strict warning to maintain normal law and order in the post-election period. In a warning statement, Police Headquarters said that if officers fail to control the situation, they will have to bear responsibility and may face departmental punishment. Although the election is over, their duty is not. Officials said that Police Headquarters has kept all districts under special monitoring since two days before the election. Earlier, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) personally warned police superintendents on several occasions.

Overall Situation

The spread of post-election violence has extended across the northern, southern, and central regions of the country. In some places there have been fatalities, in others gunfire and the use of locally made weapons, and elsewhere vandalism and looting of homes and shops these incidents have created concern among ordinary citizens. Political analysts believe that tensions between rival candidates after the announcement of results, combined with longstanding local disputes, have intensified the situation. They say that tolerance from party leadership and a firm role by law enforcement agencies are essential to restore lasting peace.