“Agent of the ‘Dhaner Sheesh’ attacked by Jamaat workers hospitalised”

In a disturbing escalation of political violence in Sherpur, supporters of Jamaat are alleged to have brutally attacked a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) election agent, leaving him hospitalised. The incident reportedly occurred on the night of Saturday, 14 February, in the Namapara area of Herua-Balurghat, under Char Sherpur Union in the Sadar Upazila.

The victim, 35-year-old Gias Uddin Russel Mia, was admitted to Sherpur District Sadar Hospital with multiple injuries, including head and facial trauma. Witnesses and Russel himself claim that the attack was politically motivated due to his role as the chief election agent for Dr. Sansila Jebrin Priyanka, the BNP candidate contesting the Sherpur-1 (Sadar) seat from the party’s ‘Paddy Sheaf’ symbol.

Russel recounted the harrowing attack, stating, “I am a BNP supporter and the chief election agent for the Paddy Sheaf candidate. For this reason, Jamaat activists and supporters targeted me.” He identified the alleged attackers as local Jamaat affiliates Keramat, Jamal, Sohel, Monir, and Monir’s brother, estimating that a group of 12–13 individuals were involved.

According to Russel, three men pursued him on a motorcycle before forcefully pushing him to the ground. An additional 8–9 assailants then joined the assault, continuing the attack even as he sought refuge in a nearby shop. “Even inside the shop, they did not relent,” he said, describing the chaotic and violent scene.

Political leaders from BNP visited Russel in hospital to offer support. Among them were Sadar Upazila BNP Member Secretary Saiful Islam, Senior Joint Convener Shahidul Islam, and former District Organising Secretary Akramuzzaman Rahat. Saiful Islam condemned the attack, stating, “Since Jamaat MP Rashedul Islam’s election, BNP leaders and activists have been subjected to repeated assaults and vandalism. We strongly protest these attacks and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible for assaulting Russel.”

Dr. Sansila Jebrin Priyanka, the BNP MP candidate, also expressed outrage, urging the administration to take prompt action against the perpetrators.

Sherpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sohel Rana confirmed awareness of the incident, stating, “We are aware of the event. Should a formal complaint be filed, legal action will follow.”

Key Details of the Incident

The incident underscores the growing tension and hostility in the region’s electoral politics, raising concerns over the safety of political workers during campaign periods.