Campaigning descends into street violence in Doulatkhan, prompting intervention by joint forces

Leaders and activists from the BNP and Jamaat blame each other for the confrontation

A clash has broken out between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami activists in Bhola’s Doulatkhan Upazila during election campaigning.

The incident, which occurred around 11:30am on Tuesday, left nine people injured -- five from Jamaat and four from the BNP.

Joint forces rushed to the scene to bring the situation under control, but party leaders are blaming each other for the violence.

The incident took place at Munshirhat of Ward 5, Madua Union, according to Doulatkhan Police chief Md Saiful Islam Shikdar.

The injured from Jamaat included Md Rasel, Md Naeem, Md Billal, Md Mizan, and Md Sifat. They were admitted to Bhola 250-Bed General Hospital.

Those from the BNP are Rasel, 26, Mizan, 35, Rakib, 27, and Riaz, 27 -- all identified by single names. They are receiving treatment at Doulatkhan Upazila Health Complex.

Police and witnesses said Jamaat activists were campaigning for their candidate Fazlul Karim when BNP supporters of candidate Hafiz Ibrahim confronted them.

The situation escalated from verbal arguments to physical fighting before joint forces intervened.

Officer Shikdar said the situation is now under control, and no formal complaints have yet been filed by either party.