The interim government has condemned the violent attack on an election campaign of Ershad Ullah, the nominated candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for the Chattogram-8 constituency.

“An immediate investigation by the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) indicates that Ershad Ullah was not the target of the attack, but a stray bullet hit and injured him,” the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said in a statement on Wednesday night.

The government wished him a speedy recovery and said that a full probe has been ordered into the incident.

Expressing a deep concern at this criminal act, the government reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the safety and rights of all candidates and citizens participating in the democratic process.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed the security forces “to spare no effort in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators and to bring them swiftly to justice,” according to the statement.

“Violence and intimidation have no place in our political and social life. The CMP has already launched a manhunt for the attackers.”

The government called on all political actors and their supporters to uphold calm, show restraint, and ensure that the February general election takes place in an atmosphere of peace, dignity, and fairness.

“The government will do its part by taking all necessary measures to guarantee the secure and peaceful conditions required for free, fair, credible, and festive elections across Bangladesh,” read the statement.

BNP nominated aspirant Ershad Ullah and his supporters were conducting a campaign in the Bayezid Bostami area this evening, when assailants opened fire on them.

Three people – Ershad, Sarwar Hossain alias Babla, and Shanto – sustained bullet wounds in the attack. Later, Sarwar, accused in 15 cases, died of his injuries at the Evercare Hospital.