Sherpur violence completely unwarranted, credible probe needed: BNP

BNP Election Management Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the violence that erupted in Sherpur during an election manifesto declaration programme was "highly unfortunate and completely unwarranted".

Speaking at a press conference today (29 January) at the party's Gulshan office, he said a "trivial issue such as seating arrangements" should never have led to clashes and loss of life.

Mahdi Amin said that despite seats being allocated for all political parties at the manifesto announcement venue, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists occupied the chairs in advance and refused to vacate those designated for BNP representatives, even after repeated requests from the administration.

"We had hoped that after the mass uprising, the election atmosphere would be festive and peaceful. Unfortunately, the incident in Sherpur has disrupted that expectation," he said.

Referring to video footage circulating on social media, Mahdi Amin said police, civil administration officials, members of the armed forces and senior BNP leaders repeatedly urged the Jamaat candidate to take an alternative route to avoid confrontation, but he ignored the requests and proceeded through a conflict-prone route.

"We have seen that sticks and rods were prepared in advance. This raises serious questions, was the violence premeditated? Who instigated it? And why did the law enforcement agencies fail to bring the situation under control?" he said.

Mahdi Amin said one person was killed in the clashes, while more than 40 BNP leaders and activists were injured, many of whom remain in critical condition at hospitals.

"Regardless of political affiliation, the loss of life is unacceptable under any circumstances," he added.

He urged the interim government to ensure a prompt, credible investigation, strengthen law enforcement during the election period, and called on all political parties to act responsibly and cooperate with the administration.

Addressing recent rallies in the Dhaka University area and what he described as propaganda linking BNP to isolated incidents, Mahdi Amin said attempts to derive political gains by creating baseless narratives were unacceptable.

"We want positive politics, not a politics of blame," he said.

Mahdi Amin said, "As the country's largest and most popular political party, BNP's top priority is a peaceful, controversy-free and credible election. If democratic norms are upheld, we believe we can collectively strengthen democracy."