Post-election violence persists amid alleged police inaction

Incidents of violence continued across the country after the 12 February general election, leaving people dead and properties damaged, amid allegations that law enforcement agencies failed to act swiftly and effectively to control the unrest.

According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 200 incidents of post-election violence were recorded in 30 districts between the close of voting on 12 February and 9pm on Saturday. The violence left three people dead and around 300 injured, while nearly 350 homes and business establishments were vandalised.

The fatalities were reported in Munshiganj, Bagerhat and Mymensingh districts.

The victims were identified as Jasim Nayeb, 30, a supporter of independent candidate Mohiuddin in Munshiganj; Emon, 12, son of BNP activist Dulal Mia of Swedesh union in Haluaghat, Mymensingh; and Osman Sardar, 29, son of Sajahan Sardar and a backer of BNP rebel candidate MAH Selim in Bagerhat.

In a separate incident, a Jubo League activist was killed in Bhola on Saturday night. Abdur Rahim, 45, was hacked to death around 10pm in Rasulpur union under Shashibhushan Police Station in Charfasson upazila.

Locals and family members said tensions had been escalating before the election after BNP activists Amjad Hossain, Billal Hossain, Samrat and others allegedly slaughtered and consumed two of Rahim’s goats. They were said to be supporters of BNP MP-elect Nurul Islam Nayan.

Rahim reportedly protested the incident on Friday night, but his son Amir Hossain was allegedly assaulted in retaliation, suffering serious injuries including fractures to his facial bones and jaw. Amir is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka.

Family members claimed Rahim was attacked and killed on Saturday night after encountering the same BNP followers again.

Rahim’s daughter, Bibi Rahima, said her father was assaulted while returning home from a nearby tea stall. “We rushed out after hearing his screams and saw one of the accused, Billal, fleeing. They left my father’s body in roadside water hyacinth,” she alleged.

Fakhrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Shashibhushan Police Station, told the Daily Sun that no formal complaint had been filed over the earlier assault on Rahim’s son. Regarding the murder, he said police are investigating and would share details later.

In Noakhali, a market owned by a supporter of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol was allegedly set ablaze in Hatiya upazila early Sunday, destroying seven shops, a microbus and two auto-rickshaws.

Kalam Sarder alleged that followers of National Citizen Party MP-elect Hannan Masud carried out the arson attack at his market in Talukdar village.

Saiful Alam, officer-in-charge of Hatiya Police Station, confirmed that police visited the scene. “If a written complaint is filed, we will investigate and take legal action,” he said.

In Feni, a Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami activist was reportedly assaulted in South Bhabanipur village under Rajapur union of Daganbhuiyan upazila on Saturday. The victim alleged that supporters of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol beat him with sticks and tortured him.

Feni Assistant Superintendent of Police Syed Mumid Raihan said action would be taken against those responsible.

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 occurred in Satkhira, where supporters of a defeated independent candidate were allegedly attacked.

Backers of Dr Shahidul Alam, who contested under the “Football” symbol, accused supporters 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-election violence as a failure of law enforcement, though he noted that such violence often accompanies major national events despite security measures. Referring to the 2018 election, when 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, emphasised the need for accountability.

“Those responsible must be brought to justice,” he said. “Perpetrators act because they believe no action will be taken against them. That perception must be changed.”

He cautioned that with key events ahead, including local government elections, failure to respond decisively now could fuel further unrest. “If effective steps are taken immediately, such incidents will decline significantly 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.