Noakhali, 2 February – In the politically charged atmosphere of Noakhali-3, early Monday morning witnessed a significant act of violence when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) local election office was engulfed in flames, causing extensive damage. The fire reportedly broke out around 4:00 am local time, destroying chairs, tables, and other office equipment. Additionally, an adjacent scrap goods shop sustained partial damage from the blaze.
BNP leaders have described the incident as a deliberate attack. Barkat Ullah, the BNP vice-chairman and the party’s candidate for Noakhali-3, alleged that local activists affiliated with the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami were responsible. Kamakshya Chandra Das, president of the Upazila BNP, estimated the loss at 14–15 lakh Bangladeshi Taka, asserting:
“This was a premeditated act of violence. Jamaat leaders aimed to intimidate voters supporting the boat symbol. We will submit a written complaint to the police.”
In contrast, Abdul Zaher, president of the local Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, rejected the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, stating:
“We have no involvement in this incident. The accusations are entirely politically driven and have no basis in fact.”
Begumganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md. Shamsuzzaman, confirmed the fire but stated that the cause remains under investigation, noting:
“It is true that a fire occurred, but how it started is yet to be determined. Once a formal complaint is received, we will investigate and take necessary action.”
Noakhali-3 is historically a highly contested electoral constituency, often marked by tension and sporadic violence during campaigns. In the 2018 general elections, several election offices and vehicles were similarly attacked, highlighting a pattern of unrest during the polling season. Barkat Ullah faces competition from Md. Borhan Uddin of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in this seat.
The table below summarises recent and past election-related incidents in Noakhali-3:
| Candidate Name | Party | Constituency | Damaged Assets Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barkat Ullah Bulu | BNP | Noakhali-3 | 14–15 lakh BDT | Election office completely destroyed |
| Md. Borhan Uddin | Jamaat | Noakhali-3 | – | Denied all allegations |
| 2018 Election Attacks | – | Noakhali-3 | Various | Offices and vehicles were damaged |
Political analysts warn that such incidents intensify electoral tensions and may influence voter sentiment. They also underscore the challenge for the Election Commission in ensuring both security and transparency during the campaign period. The forthcoming weeks, including police investigations, political responses, and community reactions, are likely to significantly shape the electoral landscape of Noakhali-3.