Jamaat-BNP clash in Chuadanga leaves 14 injured

At least 14 people were injured in a clash between supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP in Chuadanga's Alamdanga upazila on Sunday afternoon.

The incident took place in Jugirhuda village under Khadimpur Union.

BNP leaders alleged that the clash erupted after Jamaat women activists sought bKash numbers instead of asking for votes during door-to-door campaigning, triggering protests from locals and BNP supporters.

Chuadanga-1 constituency BNP candidate and district BNP General Secretary Sharifuzzaman Sharif told reporters that Jamaat-e-Islami carried out a planned attack, leaving nine BNP activists, including women workers, seriously injured. He condemned the incident and demanded action against those responsible from the returning officer and law enforcement agencies.

On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami said five of its activists were injured in the clash and admitted to Alamdanga Upazila Hardi Health Complex for treatment.

Jamaat's nominated candidate for Chuadanga-1, Advocate Masud Parvez Rasel, said their activists were campaigning when BNP supporters attacked them and vandalised two motorcycles.

A local witness, Kafil Uddin, claimed that several Jamaat women activists visited the house of a villager named Zainal to seek votes. He alleged they asked for the family's bKash number and promised money in exchange for votes. 

Alamdanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Bani Israel said police were sent to the spot immediately after the incident and that further details would be shared later.