Dhaka , 25th Jan, 2026 :
Changhma Times News
As Bangladesh moves closer to the upcoming national parliamentary elections, incidents of election-related violence are escalating across Dhaka and several other parts of the country, triggering growing concern among political parties and observers.
Since the official campaign period began on 22 January, at least 20 incidents of violence have been reported nationwide. Most of these incidents have involved supporters of candidates from the BNP and the Jamaat-led alliance, highlighting rising political tensions ahead of the polls. On Sunday alone, reports of five separate violent incidents were received from different regions.
In Dhaka-18, NCP senior joint convener and Unified Bangladesh Alliance candidate Ariful Islam alleged that his peaceful campaign rally at Dumni Bazar was attacked by supporters of BNP candidate SM Jahangir Hossain. According to Ariful Islam, the attack, allegedly led by BNP leader Didar Molla, left several of his colleagues injured. He described the incident as a reflection of the opposition’s fear of losing public support.
Responding to the allegation, BNP candidate SM Jahangir Hossain stated that he had been informed of the incident and that party instructions had been followed. “Didar Molla has been reprimanded. I personally contacted Ariful Islam after the incident. We believe in coexistence, and nothing provocative will come from our side,” he said.
Similar incidents were reported in other constituencies. In Tangail-2’s Gopalpur upazila, supporters of Jamaat candidate Md Humayun Kabir claimed that BNP activists attacked women campaigners accompanying the candidate. In Jashore-2, Jamaat candidate Mosleh Uddin Farid accused BNP-affiliated Jubo Dal activists of assaulting female campaigners, injuring two women. In protest, local Jamaat women leaders from Jhikargacha upazila held a press conference at the Jashore Press Club.
Violence was also reported in Chuadanga-1, under Alamdanga upazila’s Khadimpur union, where heated arguments during Jamaat campaigning turned into physical clashes, leaving 13 people injured from both sides.
After visiting the injured at a hospital, BNP candidate Sharifuzzaman alleged that Jamaat supporters had deliberately disrupted the peaceful election environment, injuring eight BNP leaders and workers, including women. Jamaat candidate Masud Parvez Russell, however, countered the claim, stating that Jamaat’s female workers were repeatedly obstructed during campaigning and that five of their members, including women, were injured in BNP-led attacks.
Earlier incidents further underline the tense situation. On 22 January, Jamaat-e-Islami campaigners in Natore-2 were reportedly assaulted during a public rally. On 23 January, an internal clash during a BNP rally in Kishoreganj over seating arrangements left around 30 activists injured. On 24 January, in Gaharpur village of Meherpur, Jamaat alleged that three individuals were assaulted after protesting the harassment of female supporters.
Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair expressed deep concern over repeated violations of the election code of conduct. He said attacks, particularly against female campaigners, had been occurring across multiple locations over the past several days, and added that the party was closely watching the Election Commission’s response.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has maintained that the electoral playing field remains level. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that despite reports and counter-reports of violence, the commission believes election procedures are being conducted fairly.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud told The Business Standard that complaints of violence are being received regularly and forwarded to investigation committees. “Every complaint is being taken seriously, and necessary action will be taken after proper investigation,” he assured.
As campaigning intensifies, political observers warn that ensuring a peaceful environment will be crucial to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
Source: The Business Standard
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