Isolated Violence in Hatiya: Television Journalist Assaulted Amid Poll Tensions

Isolated incidents of violence disrupted the atmosphere in Hatiya upazila of the Noakhali-6 constituency during the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, with journalist among those injured.

Correspondent Miraj Uddin was reportedly attacked on Thursday afternoon in the Gamchakhali area of Char Ishwar Union while carrying out his professional duties. According to local sources, the assault took place at approximately 12:00 noon as he was returning from a visit to the Bangla Bazar polling centre. Armed assailants allegedly intercepted his motorcycle and attacked him with sharp weapons.

The motorcycle driver, Md. Sakib, who was transporting the journalist, was also seriously injured in the incident. Police later rescued the two injured men and transferred them to Hatiya Upazila Health Complex for treatment. The attack on a working journalist has raised concerns among members of the press community, who have called for a swift investigation and enhanced protection for media personnel covering sensitive electoral events.

Beyond the assault on the journalist, sporadic clashes were reported across several unions, including Ochkhali Bazar, Burirchar, Jahajmara, Nijhum Dwip and Sonadia. Supporters of the BNP’s “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol and the NCP’s “Water Lily” symbol were allegedly involved in retaliatory confrontations from Wednesday evening through Thursday noon. Nearly fifty activists and supporters from both sides were reportedly injured in these incidents.

Hospital authorities confirmed that 38 individuals sought treatment at the emergency department of the Upazila Health Complex. Of them, four were admitted for further care, while the remainder were treated and discharged. Dr Md. Wahidul Haque, the attending physician, stated that most injuries were not critical and that patients were released after receiving primary treatment.

Political leaders have since traded accusations over the clashes. Yusuf Reza, Convener of Hatiya Upazila Juboshakti and a close associate of Hannan Masud, alleged that nearly fifty of their activists were attacked by BNP supporters across Sonadia, Jahajmara, Nijhum Dwip, Char Ishwar and Chanandi unions. He further claimed that their polling agents were forcibly removed from several centres in Jahajmara shortly after voting commenced.

Conversely, Fazlul Haque Khokon, former Convener of Hatiya Upazila BNP, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, asserting that the rival group was spreading misinformation in anticipation of electoral defeat.

Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam of Hatiya Police Station acknowledged reports of isolated disturbances. He stated that police and naval personnel responded promptly wherever incidents were reported. Any formal complaints, he added, would be investigated and appropriate legal action taken.

Summary of Reported Incidents

Although authorities maintain that the overall situation remains under control, the incidents have heightened anxiety among local residents and observers, highlighting the fragile security climate surrounding the electoral process in the coastal upazila.