30 injured as supporters of Bhaluka BNP, independent candidates clash

Clashes stretch for hours, leaving the town tense, with offices and shops set ablaze and locals in panic

At least 30 people have been injured in repeated clashes between supporters of the BNP-nominated candidate and an independent contender in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka Upazila amid election campaigning.

The incident began around 5pm near the bus terminal and Hobirbari and continued until 9:30pm on Sunday, according to Additional Police Superintendent (Administration & Finance) Md Abdullah Al Mamun, who said efforts to control the situation were ongoing.

Witnesses reported that supporters of independent candidate and former Upazila BNP convener (suspended) Muhammad Morshed Alam were distributing leaflets at Nishinda Bazar in Bharadoba Union when BNP candidate Fakhr Uddin Bachchu’s supporters blocked them.

During the altercation, a supporter named Opu was seriously injured and hospitalised.

Tensions escalated, and both sides engaged in repeated clashes with makeshift weapons at Bhaluka Bus Stand, turning the zone into a battlefield.

BNP offices near Islami Bank were vandalised and set on fire, while independent candidate supporter Adi Khan Shakil’s office also caught fire.

Smoke engulfed the surroundings, prompting local businesses to close, effectively shutting down the locality.

Independent candidate Morshed said, “We were directly attacked while campaigning in Batazor Market. If a parliamentary candidate can be attacked like this, how safe are ordinary voters?”

Attempts to reach BNP candidate Bachchu were unsuccessful.

Additional Police Superintendent Al Mamun said extra forces were deployed and efforts to restore order were under way. Injured supporters are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

VIOLENCE IN LALMONIRHAT

A violent clash broke out in Hatibandha Upazila, Lalmonirhat-1, between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists during campaigning.

At least 15 people were injured, and four to five motorcycles were vandalised, spreading panic.

According to Hatibandha Police chief Shahin Mohammad Aman Ullah, the incident occurred at Kasaitari in Tongvanga Union.

Jamaat workers supporting Anwarul Islam Raju were campaigning under the “Weighing Scale” symbol when female supporters were reportedly blocked at the residence of BNP candidate Hasan Rajib Pradhan.

A verbal altercation escalated into a chase and physical clash. Stones, bricks, and sticks were used. Police, BGB, and RAB arrived to restore order.

Jamaat candidate Raju said, “Our female workers were attacked while campaigning peacefully. At least 10 supporters were injured and motorcycles vandalised.”

BNP candidate Rajib denied the allegation, claiming: “It was Jamaat’s workers who first attacked our supporters.”

No written complaints have been filed.

Returning Officer HM Rokib Haydar and Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman later inspected the site and confirmed legal measures would be taken.

13 INURED IN CHUADANGA-1

Another clash occurred in Yugirhuda village, Alamdanga Upazila, Chuadanga-1, between BNP and Jamaat supporters, leaving 13 people injured.

Both sides blamed each other.

Visiting the injured, BNP’s “Sheaf of Paddy” candidate Sharifuzzaman said: “Eight BNP supporters, including women, were hurt in Jamaat’s sudden attack.”

Jamaat candidate Masud Parvez Russell countered, “Five of our supporters, including women, were injured in attacks by BNP workers.”

Inspector (Investigation) Hossain Ali said the executive magistrate, police, and Army restored order, and police are on patrol.