Clash Between BNP and Jamaat Over Election Campaign in Ishwardi, At Least 25 Injured

Clashes broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists this afternoon, Thursday, in Pabna’s Ishwardi over election campaigning. Jamaat claims that BNP supporters attacked them during their election campaign, while the BNP says that local villagers chased away Jamaat activists.

At least 25 people from both sides were injured in the incident, which took place in Char Gargari village under Sahapur Union of the upazila. Seven of the injured were taken to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, while others received primary treatment at different private clinics.

According to party sources, in the Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atgharia) constituency, BNP Chairperson’s adviser and district BNP convener Habibur Rahman is campaigning as the party’s nominated candidate. Jamaat’s candidate is district Jamaat ameer Abu Taleb Mondol. Over the past few days, tensions had been growing between supporters of the two sides in Char Gargari village. Two days earlier, an argument and scuffle had also taken place between them.

Local residents and eyewitnesses said that in the afternoon, Jamaat candidate Abu Taleb Mondol went to the area for election canvassing. When they reached Alhaj Mor in the village, supporters of the BNP candidate obstructed them. After a brief period of arguments and scuffles, the Jamaat candidate left. On his way back, however, clashes erupted again between the two sides in the village’s Mridha Para neighborhood. During the confrontation, shots were fired, and several motorcycles as well as the Jamaat candidate’s vehicle were vandalized. At least 25 people on both sides were injured. Later, villagers rescued the injured and took them to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex and various private healthcare centers.

Regarding the incident, Jamaat candidate Abu Taleb Mondol alleged that they had gone to the village as part of a pre-scheduled campaign program. Their convoy consisted of about 150 motorcycles. On their way back, supporters of BNP candidate Habibur Rahman attacked them and opened fire. Several motorcycles were vandalized. According to him, six individuals were shot and at least 50 were injured. The gunshot victims were sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, and others are being treated locally.

BNP candidate Habibur Rahman, speaking over the phone, claimed that female workers of Jamaat were going door-to-door in the village promising “tickets to heaven” in exchange for votes. Local BNP leaders protested this. In response, Jamaat candidate and district Jamaat ameer Abu Taleb Mondol allegedly entered the village with an armed convoy and assaulted two BNP activists. At that point, villagers united and chased them away. Jamaat activists opened fire during the chaos and beat BNP supporters, leaving several BNP activists injured. One of them was sent to Dhaka for better treatment, while others are being treated at various hospitals.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of Ishwardi Police Station A S M Abdun Nur said that after receiving the information, police rushed to the scene and tried to bring the situation under control. The situation is now normal. Police have been deployed in the area. No complaints have been filed yet, he added, but legal action will be taken if any are submitted.