Tensions flared into violence in Ishwardi, Pabna, on Thursday afternoon when supporters of the BNP and Jamaat clashed during an election campaign, leaving at least 25 people injured. The confrontation occurred in Chorgorgori village of Sahapur Union and prompted a rapid response from locals who rushed the wounded to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex and other private clinics.
The clash occurred amid a campaign for the Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atghoria) seat. BNP candidate Habibur Rahman, advisor to the party chairman and district BNP convener, is engaged in active campaigning. Jamaat’s candidate Abu Taleb Mondal, the district Amir, had been visiting the village for outreach. According to local residents, tensions had been mounting for days, following previous arguments and scuffles between supporters of both parties.
Eyewitnesses reported that Mondal’s convoy, which included around 150 motorcycles, initially faced resistance from BNP supporters near Alhaj Mor. After a verbal dispute and minor altercation, he left, but during his return through Mridhapara neighbourhood, a violent confrontation broke out. Reports indicate gunfire was exchanged, several motorcycles were damaged, and Mondal’s vehicle was vandalised. Both BNP and Jamaat supporters sustained injuries.
Jamaat’s candidate claimed that the BNP attacked his campaign convoy, resulting in six of his supporters being shot and at least 50 injured overall. Injured gunshot victims were sent to Rajshahi Medical College, while others received local treatment. BNP’s candidate, however, accused Jamaat activists of intimidating villagers and firing at his supporters, asserting that the violence was a response to local protests against Jamaat’s campaign tactics.
Ishwardi police officer-in-charge A S M Abdun Nur said police arrived quickly to control the situation and maintained a deployment in the area. He noted that no formal complaints had been lodged but legal action would follow if complaints are made. The incident underlines the volatility of local election campaigns and the vulnerability of civilians caught in political disputes.