Police acted as inactive spectators during Sherpur clashes: Jamaat's Zubair

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair accused the police of acting as "inactive spectators" during clashes in Sherpur that left one local Jamaat leader dead and dozens of activists injured.

At the same time, he directly blamed the BNP for the incident and demanded the swift arrest and punishment of those responsible. Zubair made the remarks on behalf of the 11-party alliance at a press conference held at Jamaat's central office today (29 January).

Senior leaders of the alliance, including those from Khelafat Majlis, LDP, and Jagpa, were present at the press conference.

Addressing the media, Zubair said the entire sequence of events clearly reflected the failure of law enforcement agencies and the administration.

"If the police had cooperated or played an active role during the clashes, such a tragic incident would not have occurred. Instead, the police acted as inactive spectators," he said.

In his written statement, Zubair said that on Wednesday (28 January), the local administration organised a manifesto announcement programme for candidates of the Sherpur-3 constituency at Jhenaigati Stadium in Sherpur. The 11-party alliance candidate Nuruzzaman Badal and his supporters were present at the venue.

He alleged that BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel and his supporters arrived late and demanded half of the seating capacity. Even after Jamaat activists vacated seats, BNP leaders allegedly engaged in provocative behaviour, eventually leading to clashes.

Zubair further alleged that activists led by the BNP candidate carried out attacks using locally made weapons.

"During the clashes, Jamaat's Sreebardi upazila secretary Rezaul Karim was found alone and attacked, leaving him critically injured. He later died while being taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital," he said.

He said around 50 alliance leaders and activists were injured in the incident, three of whom remain in critical condition.

"Despite repeatedly informing the Election Commission and the administration, no visible action has been taken against attacks on Jamaat's female activists and candidates," Zubair added.