Election Clash in Lalpur Injures Sixteen Supporters

At least sixteen individuals were injured in Lalpur on Friday evening following a violent clash between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and those of an independent candidate. Among the injured were four workers from BNP candidate Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul’s camp and twelve supporters of independent candidate Taiful Islam Tipu. One person has been detained by police in connection with the incident.

According to local police sources, the confrontation occurred around 8:00 pm on 6 February in Kachua Bazar of Arbab Union, Lalpur Upazila. Supporters of Taiful Islam Tipu—who was expelled from the BNP and is now contesting as an independent candidate—were holding a public outreach event in the area. Tensions escalated when both groups began exchanging heated words outside Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul’s campaign office. The verbal altercation quickly turned into a physical confrontation, with both sides engaging in a full-scale clash.

During the skirmish, Tipu’s supporters reportedly vandalised several motorcycles, while Putul’s campaign office also suffered damage. The violence created panic in Kachua Bazar, leading shopkeepers to close their establishments and residents to flee the area. Fourteen of the injured were admitted to the Upazila Health Complex, while two received primary treatment and subsequently left the hospital.

Police detained Khalilur Rahman, son of Abdur Rashid from Borboria area, in connection with the incident.

Taiful Islam Tipu claimed that his supporters were attacked during a peaceful rally and alleged that local weapons and firearms were used. Following the clash, Tipu filed a written complaint naming 27 individuals and citing another 70–80 unidentified participants as responsible.

Conversely, Harunar Rashid Pappu, the chief election agent for BNP candidate Putul and former secretary of Lalpur Upazila BNP, asserted that the independent candidate’s supporters initiated the attack, vandalising banners and campaign posters. The BNP camp filed a written complaint naming 19 individuals and reporting the involvement of over 100 unidentified participants.

Lalpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mojibur Rahman confirmed that both parties have lodged written complaints. He added that legal action will be taken following a full investigation.

Summary of Injuries and Complaints

The Lalpur clash highlights the growing tensions ahead of the upcoming elections, raising concerns about voter safety and campaign conduct in the region. Authorities have urged all political groups to maintain peace and avoid further confrontations.