BNP calls Sherpur incident unfortunate, demands proper investigation: Mahdi Amin

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has described the recent incident in Sherpur during an election manifesto declaration programme as “unwanted” and has demanded a swift, impartial investigation.

Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Election Steering Committee office in Gulshan on Thursday, committee spokesperson and adviser to the party chairperson Mahdi Amin said the violence that broke out in Sherpur was entirely undesirable and could have been prevented.

Responding to journalists’ queries, Mahdi Amin raised several questions about the circumstances leading to the clash. He asked why one party occupied all the chairs at the venue ahead of the scheduled time, why sticks and rods were allegedly stockpiled by its activists, and why their candidate reportedly opted for confrontation despite repeated collective appeals to avoid tension. He stressed that all these issues must be investigated without delay.

Mahdi Amin said the programme had been organised by the local administration to formally declare the manifestos for the 13th national parliamentary election, with participation from all candidates. Seating arrangements, he noted, had been clearly allocated for each party.

However, he alleged that leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami took control of all the chairs at the venue and prevented BNP leaders and supporters from using their designated seats. Despite repeated requests from the administration, they reportedly refused to vacate the chairs.

Describing the subsequent violence—triggered by what he termed a minor dispute over seating—as deeply unfortunate, Mahdi Amin said, “After the mass uprising, we all expected a festive and peaceful election atmosphere, not one marked by violence and confrontation.”

Expressing grave concern over the casualties, he said one person was killed in the clash, stressing that the loss of life is unacceptable regardless of political identity. He also said more than 40 BNP leaders and activists were injured, several of whom remain in critical condition.

“The deceased and the injured all aspired to a state system where elections are peaceful and free from violence and conflict,” he added.

Mahdi Amin urged the administration and law enforcement agencies to play a more proactive role to prevent similar incidents in the future. He also called on all political parties and stakeholders to refrain from provocation and avoid responding to any form of incitement.

Concluding, he appealed to all political forces to work collectively to ensure peaceful coexistence and a cordial election campaign. “Only through restraint, responsibility and mutual respect can we ensure a peaceful and democratic election,” he said.