A violent altercation between rival political activists erupted in Natore’s Baraigram upazila on Saturday, leaving several people injured and heightening tensions in the locality. The clash occurred at Dhonaidah Bazaar in the Nagar Union area, reportedly stemming from a dispute linked to local electoral politics.
According to police and eyewitnesses, activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami engaged in a series of retaliatory attacks that culminated in open confrontation on 14 February.
The most seriously injured individual has been identified as Maulana Md. Hasinur Rahman, Ameer of Ward No. 4 under Nagar Union affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami. Local residents initially rushed him to Amina Hospital in Banpara town for urgent treatment. After receiving primary care, he was referred to the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced medical attention. Hospital sources indicated that he sustained significant injuries to his head and upper body and remains under close observation.
Sequence of Events
The Officer-in-Charge of Baraigram Police Station, Abdus Salam, confirmed that the violence followed an earlier incident on Friday afternoon. A dispute reportedly broke out at Dhonaidah Bazaar over election-related matters. During that confrontation, a Jamaat activist named Sabbir was allegedly assaulted by local BNP workers.
In apparent retaliation, Jamaat supporters allegedly attacked BNP leader Asab Sarkar on Saturday morning. Shortly thereafter, activists from both sides gathered at the marketplace armed with sticks and makeshift weapons, leading to a broader clash. Several shops in the vicinity were reportedly damaged, and business activities were temporarily suspended as traders shuttered their establishments amid panic.
While precise figures remain unverified, local sources estimate that between eight and twelve individuals sustained injuries of varying severity. No fatalities have been reported. As of Saturday evening, no formal written complaints had been lodged with the police, though investigations are underway.
Incident Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dhonaidah Bazaar, Nagar Union, Baraigram, Natore |
| Date | 14 February |
| Parties Involved | BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists |
| Estimated Injured | 8–12 (unofficial count) |
| Most Seriously Injured | Maulana Md. Hasinur Rahman |
| Initial Treatment | Amina Hospital, Banpara |
| Referred Hospital | Rajshahi Medical College Hospital |
| Trigger | Election-related dispute and retaliatory assaults |
Police have increased patrols in the area to prevent further escalation. Law enforcement officials stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and urged both parties to maintain restraint.
Political observers note that grassroots rivalries in Bangladesh frequently intensify ahead of local electoral contests, particularly in union-level constituencies where organisational influence and community support are highly contested. Such clashes, while often localised, risk undermining broader political stability if not addressed swiftly.
Authorities have indicated that legal action will be taken should evidence substantiate allegations against any individuals involved. Meanwhile, community leaders have appealed for calm and called upon political actors to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence.