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Incidents of violence continued across the country following the 12 February general election, claiming lives and destroying properties amid allegations that law enforcement agencies have failed to respond promptly and effectively to contain the situation.
According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 200 incidents of post-polls violence occurred in 30 districts between the close of voting on 12 February and 9pm on Saturday, killing three people and injuring 300 others. Around 350 dwelling houses and commercial establishments were also damaged.
The killings happened in Munshiganj, Bagerhat and Mymensingh districts.
The deceased are Jasim Nayeb, 30, a supporter of independent candidate Mohiuddin of Munshiganj, Emon, 12, son of BNP activist Dulal Mia of Swedesh union at Haluaghat in Mymensingh, and Osman Sardar, 29, son of Sajahan Sardar and a supporter of BNP rebel candidate MAH Selim of Bagerhat.
Besides, a Jubo League man was killed in Bhola on Saturday night.
Abdur Rahim, 45, was hacked to death at Rasulpur union under Shashibhushan Police Station in Charfasson upazila around 10pm.
According to locals and relatives, tensions had been building prior to the election after BNP activists Amjad Hossain, Billal Hossain, Samrat and several others forcibly slaughtered and consumed Rahim’s two goats. They are known as the followers of BNP MP-elect Nurul Islam Nayan.
Rahim had reportedly protested the incident on Friday night. However, his son Amir Hossain was allegedly beaten over the protest, leaving him seriously injured, including fractures to facial bones and his jaw.
Amir is now receiving treatment in a Dhaka hospital.
Family members alleged that Rahim was hacked to death on Saturday night after he encountered the BNP followers again.
Rahim’s daughter Bibi Rahima said her father was attacked while returning home from a nearby tea stall. “Hearing his screams, we rushed out and saw one of the accused – Billal – running away. They left my father’s body in roadside water hyacinth,” she claimed.
Fakhrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Shashibhushan Police Station, told the Daily Sun over the phone that no formal complaint had been filed regarding the earlier assault on Rahim’s son. About the murder, he stated that police are investigating and will provide further details later.
In Noakhali, a market belonging to a “Sheaf of Paddy” supporter was allegedly set on fire in Hatiya upazila early Sunday, leaving seven shops, a microbus, and two auto-rickshaws burned.
Kalam Sarder said his market was set ablaze at the dead of night, accusing the followers of National Citizen Party MP-elect Hannan Masud of the attack.
The arson attack took place in Talukdar village of the upazila, Hatiya Police Station OC Saiful Alam said. “The police have visited the scene. If a written complaint is filed regarding the incident, it will be investigated and legal action will be taken,” he said.
In Feni, a Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami activist was allegedly assaulted at South Bhabanipur village under Rajapur union of Daganbhuiyan upazila on Saturday.
The victim alleged that the supporters of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol beat him with sticks and inflicted other forms of torture on him.
Feni Assistant Superintendent of Police Syed Mumid Raihan said legal action will be taken against the attackers.
Meanwhile, clashes between supporters of a BNP candidate and a rival independent candidate in Lalpur upazila of Natore left at least 10 people injured on Saturday.
Another incident was reported from Satkhira, where supporters of a defeated independent candidate allegedly came under attack.
The supporters of Dr Shahidul Alam, who contested with the “Football” symbol, accused followers of another defeated candidate Kazi Alauddin of the Sheaf of Paddy of carrying out the assault.
M Akbar Ali, a retired additional inspector general of police, described the post-polls violence as a failure of law enforcement agencies. However, he noted that violence often occurs during major national events despite security preparations. Referring to the 2018 election, in which around 146 people were killed in clashes, he said the current situation appears comparatively less severe.
Crime analyst Dr Tawohidul Haque, an associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at the University of Dhaka, stressed the importance of accountability.
“All those responsible must be brought under the law,” he said. “Offenders are emboldened by the perception that no action will be taken against them. It is time to break that perception.”
He warned that with several important events ahead, including local government elections, failure to act decisively now could result in further unrest. “If effective measures are taken immediately, such incidents will be far less frequent in the future,” he added.
AHM Shahadat Hossain, assistant inspector general of police, told the Daily Sun that law enforcement agencies are taking action in connection with the incidents.
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