BNP, Jamaat supporters clash during election campaign in Ishwardi, leaving 25 injured

At least 25 people were injured on Thursday in a clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna, sparked by campaigning for the upcoming national election.

Party sources said tensions had been simmering between supporters of BNP-backed Pabna-4 (Ishwardi–Atgharia) candidate Habibur Rahman and Jamaat-backed aspirant Abu Taleb Mandal over various issues.

According to locals, the confrontation broke out in Chargargari village in the afternoon when Abu Taleb arrived for campaign activities.

During the clash, several shots were fired, and motorcycles along with the Jamaat candidate’s car were vandalised.

At least 25 injured people were taken to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex and nearby private clinics for treatment.

Abu Taleb claimed they were returning from a scheduled campaign programme with a motorcade of about 150 motorcycles when supporters of BNP’s Habibur Rahman attacked them, opened fire, and vandalised several bikes. He said at least 50 people were injured, including six who suffered bullet wounds and were later transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Habibur Rahman, however, accused Jamaat activists of provoking the incident. He alleged that Jamaat’s female campaigners had been going door to door in the village offering “tickets to paradise” in exchange for votes, which local BNP supporters protested. In retaliation, he said, Abu Taleb and his armed followers attacked and assaulted BNP activists.

He added that one critically injured person was sent to Dhaka for better treatment, while others were admitted to various hospitals.

Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASM Abdun Nur said that police had been deployed and the situation was under control. He added that legal action would be taken if any complaints are lodged.