Post-election violence continues across districts

Violence and clashes have continued in several parts of the country three days after the 13th parliamentary elections, with reports of arson, assaults and vandalism emerging from multiple districts.

According to local sources, from Thursday night—when voting concluded—until Sunday, more than 200 people were injured in attacks and clashes reported in at least 20 locations across 20 districts. On Friday, two supporters of a ‘rebel’ candidate were killed in Munshiganj and Bagerhat in alleged attacks by activists and supporters of the BNP candidate.

House set ablaze in Khulna

In Khulna-5 constituency, the house of a Jamaat-e-Islami supporter was set on fire in the early hours of Saturday in Mashiali village under Phultala upazila. Local residents managed to extinguish the blaze.

The homeowner, Shukur Akunji, alleged that he had received threats from supporters of a BNP candidate because of his backing for a Jamaat contender and claimed they were responsible for the arson.

However, the officer-in-charge of Khan Jahan Ali Police Station, Sanwar Hossain, said those responsible could not be identified due to the darkness.

Jamaat leaders held a protest rally at the site, and senior central and district party figures, including Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, visited the area.

Attack alleged in Brahmanbaria

In Brahmanbaria upazila, a local BNP leader and his cousin were allegedly attacked following a dispute related to the election.

The injured—Mizanur Rahman, joint general secretary of a Union BNP unit, and Nayeb Ali—are receiving treatment at Brahmanbaria General Hospital.

Mizanur Rahman claimed he was attacked with locally made weapons after detaining a Jamaat leader on the eve of the election. The accused Jamaat leader, however, denied the allegation, saying the incident was a minor scuffle rather than a premeditated assault.

Vandalism reported in Pabna

In Pabna’s Atgharia upazila, a supporter of the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol alleged that his home was vandalised and looted late on election night in Shrikantapur village. BNP leaders also claimed that party offices were attacked and furniture damaged, including portraits of party founder Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.

The local police chief said action would be taken upon receipt of a formal complaint.

Assault in Rajshahi

In Rajshahi-5 constituency, a supporter of a BNP ‘rebel’ candidate was reportedly beaten on Saturday in Puthia upazila. The injured man, who had campaigned for independent candidate Isfa Khairul Haque (Shimul), is undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. He alleged that supporters of the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol carried out the assault.

Authorities have said investigations are under way into the reported incidents.