In the river-encircled terrain of Chandradwip Union within the Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal) constituency, a surge of electoral violence has left at least fifty people injured. The unrest, which began on Sunday afternoon, saw a peaceful procession by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami activists allegedly ambushed by supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
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The Ambush at Bhandari Bazar
The initial confrontation occurred at approximately 1:00 pm. Witnesses report that supporters of Shafiqul Islam (Masud), the 11-party electoral alliance candidate contesting under the Dharipalla (scales) symbol, were returning from a rally that had commenced in the Charwadel Khanka area. As the procession reached Bhandari Bazar, a group of 40 to 50 individuals, reportedly led by local Jubo Dal and Shramik Dal leaders, launched a coordinated assault.
Armed with sticks and sharp local weapons, the attackers struck from behind, causing the procession to splinter in chaos. Jamaat leaders claim the attack was a calculated attempt to intimidate voters ahead of the polls. Amongst the critically injured were the Union Jamaat Ameer, Anisur Rahman, and Secretary Aminul Islam.
Escalation and Retaliation
The violence quickly spilled over into the sub-district headquarters. Following the afternoon ambush, Jamaat activists organised a protest march on Hospital Road at around 3:45 pm. Tensions peaked when a BNP supporter, identified as Shamim, was allegedly assaulted and his mobile phone snatched. This sparked a secondary skirmish as BNP loyalists rushed to the scene, resulting in a further ten injuries through “tit-for-tat” chases and hand-to-hand combat.
Casualties and Medical Emergency
Medical sources at the Bauphal Upazila Health Complex confirmed that 25 individuals were admitted for urgent care. Due to the severity of their wounds—primarily deep lacerations and blunt force trauma—three patients were transferred to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal for advanced treatment.
| Key Figures & Details | Information |
| Constituency | Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal) |
| Primary Candidates | Shafiqul Islam (Jamaat) vs. Sahidul Alam Talukdar (BNP) |
| Total Injured | 50 persons |
| Critically Injured | Lia Jahan, Jamal Mridha, Delwar Hossain Gazi |
| Security Status | Additional police deployed; “Tense” atmosphere |
Police Response and Political Fallout
By early evening, the situation shifted to the gates of the Bauphal Police Station. Protesting Jamaat supporters blockaded the road until 6:15 pm, chanting slogans demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Officer-in-Charge (OC).
OC Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman confirmed that additional forces have been deployed to maintain order. While the accused BNP leaders have denied involvement, the local community remains on edge, fearing that the rivalry between these two major players will further destabilise the electoral process in this crucial constituency.