Clash erupts between supporters of BNP, Jamaat in Jashore

A clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Jashore's Jhikargacha upazila today (31 January).

The incident took place around noon in Gangannandapur union where at least 10 people were reportedly injured.

However, Jhikargacha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Dewan Mohammad Shahjalal Alam told The Business Standard that the incident involved only a minor scuffle between the two groups.

"Police visited the spot. The situation is now under control and the matter is being investigated," he added.

According to local Jamaat leaders, 10-12 women Jamaat activists were campaigning in Shrichandrapur village when several BNP activists obstructed them and used abusive language. Later, leaders and activists of Jamaat's youth wings went to the area to calm the situation, but an argument broke out between the two sides.

Jamaat leaders alleged that BNP activists then attacked them with pipes, bamboo sticks and iron rods, leaving at least 10 Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists injured.

Former Jhikargacha upazila Shibir secretary Mustakim Hasan claimed that BNP activists had been gathering in the area earlier. "When Jamaat's women activists went there to seek votes, they were attacked. Several people, including me, were injured," he said.

BNP, however, denied the allegations and claimed that Jamaat activists initiated the violence. BNP leaders alleged that Jamaat supporters arrived wearing outfits resembling bulletproof jackets and attacked BNP activists, triggering the clash.

BNP candidate for Jashore-2 constituency, Sabira Nazmul Munni, said Jamaat activists came prepared and carried out the attack first. "Our activists were assaulted, and only then did the situation turn violent," she alleged.

Following the clash, Jamaat staged a demonstration at Jhikargacha bazar area around 4pm, condemning the attack.