Campaign Clash Jolts Naogaon Polls

Tensions flared in Naogaon’s political arena on Tuesday as activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami clashed during electioneering for the 12th Jatiya Sangsad polls in the Naogaon-5 (Naogaon Sadar) constituency. At least 13 people from both camps were injured in the confrontation, which briefly paralysed campaigning in the area and fuelled fear among local residents.

The incident occurred at around 5:00 pm in Chak Gopai village of Hasaigari Union under Naogaon Sadar upazila. According to local sources, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists were canvassing in favour of their electoral symbol, the scale (Daripalla), when a group of BNP and its student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, arrived at the scene. What began as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into pushing and shoving, before turning into a full-blown clash within minutes.

Accounts from the two parties differ sharply over both the trigger and the scale of the violence. BNP leaders claim that at least five of their activists were injured during what they describe as an unprovoked attack. Jamaat-e-Islami, however, maintains that eight of its workers were wounded, several of them seriously. Hospital sources confirmed that at least five injured individuals were rushed to Naogaon General Hospital for immediate treatment.

Among those identified were Jamaat activists Hasan Pramanik (38), Zahid Hasan (25), Mostafizur Rahman (58) and Rustam Ali (40), along with Chhatra Dal activist Rakib Hasan (20). Doctors treating the injured said that while some had sustained serious injuries, none were in critical condition and all were out of immediate danger.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Rakib Hasan alleged that the confrontation began when Jamaat activists attempted to prevent BNP and Chhatra Dal members from taking photographs during the campaign. He claimed that Jamaat supporters suddenly launched an attack following a heated argument.

Jamaat-e-Islami Naogaon Sadar upazila amir Abdur Rahim offered a starkly different version. He alleged that after completing door-to-door canvassing, Jamaat candidate ASM Sayem was resting at a nearby house when BNP activists arrived armed with iron pipes and locally made weapons, allegedly intending to assassinate the candidate.

BNP candidate Zahidul Islam rejected the allegation, asserting instead that Jamaat activists had behaved rudely towards local voters, provoking a dispute with villagers that later spiralled out of control.

Following the clash, local authorities intervened, dispersing the groups and deploying additional police to prevent further unrest. Officials said a formal investigation would be launched if written complaints were lodged by either side.

Summary of the Injured

Observers warn that such violence threatens the democratic spirit of the election. Civil society figures and local residents have urged all political parties to exercise restraint, ensure peaceful campaigning, and uphold tolerance to protect voters’ confidence in the electoral process.