BNP-Jamaat clash during election campaign in Lakshmipur leaves 10 injured

At least 10 people were injured in a clash between activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami during an election campaign in Lakshmipur on yesterday evening (15 January).

The incident took place in the Botgachtala area of Ward No 7 under Charshahi Union of Lakshmipur sadar upazila.

The injured were admitted to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital and several private clinics.

Confirming the matter, Chandraganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Morshed Alam said, "An altercation erupted after a dispute over asking voters for ID cards. We are investigating the incident."

Following the clash, tensions escalated at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital as leaders and activists from both parties gathered there and chanted slogans. Additional police were deployed in the hospital area to prevent further unrest.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Hossain Mohammad Raihan Kazemi visited the hospital later at night and intervened to calm both sides.

Meanwhile, Jamaat leaders and activists brought out a protest procession in the town around 8:30pm, alleging an attack by BNP supporters. Leaders from both parties traded accusations over responsibility for the violence.

According to police and locals, the clash stemmed from a dispute between BNP activist Russell Bhuiyan and Jamaat leader Abdur Rahman over a women's Jamaat training session held at a residence in the area. The argument later escalated into a physical confrontation involving supporters from both sides.

Women Jamaat organisers had gone to the house of BNP leader Borhan Uddin to seek votes and asked for voter ID cards. An argument broke out over why the IDs were needed, eventually leading to the clash.