At least 25 injured as BNP-Jamaat supporters clash over election campaign in Ishwardi

At least 25 people were injured this afternoon (27 November) as BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters clashed over election campaigning in Chargargari village of Sahapur union under Ishwardi upazila in Pabna, reports Prothom Alo.

Both parties blamed each other for triggering the violence. Jamaat alleged that BNP supporters attacked their campaign convoy, while BNP claimed that villagers chased the Jamaat men after they entered the area with arms and assaulted BNP workers.

Seven of the injured were taken to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, while the rest received treatment at private clinics.

According to party sources, BNP's Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atgharia) candidate, district convener and party chairperson's adviser Habibur Rahman, and Jamaat's candidate, district Ameer Abu Taleb Mandal, have been locked in tensions for several days in Chargargari. A scuffle reportedly took place between supporters of the two parties two days earlier.

Witnesses said Jamaat candidate Abu Taleb Mandal visited the area for a scheduled public meeting today. When his motorcade reached Alhaj intersection, BNP supporters blocked the procession, leading to an altercation. Although the Jamaat candidate initially left the scene, the two sides clashed again moments later at Mridhapara. Several shots were fired during the confrontation, and a number of motorcycles and the Jamaat candidate's car were vandalised.

Local residents later rushed the injured to nearby healthcare facilities.

Jamaat candidate Abu Taleb claimed that BNP supporters attacked his convoy of around 150 motorcycles and opened fire, injuring at least 50 people, including six with gunshot wounds. 

"Several motorcycles were vandalised. Those with bullet injuries have been sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital," he said.

BNP's Habibur Rahman, however, accused Jamaat activists of going door to door offering "tickets to heaven" in exchange for votes. 

He said locals protested this, prompting Jamaat's candidate to "raid the village with armed men," assaulting two BNP activists. 

"Villagers then resisted them, and Jamaat men opened fire. Several BNP workers were injured, one has been sent to Dhaka," he added.

Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASM Abdun Noor said police rushed to the spot and restored order. Additional forces have been deployed. 

"The situation is now under control. No complaint has been filed yet. Legal action will follow once a complaint is received," he added.