At least five individuals were injured in a violent clash between members of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Chhatra Dal at a government primary school in Bauphal, Patuakhali. The injured were subsequently admitted to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, 8 January, around 8:00 pm at Charwadel Government Primary School, located in the riverine Chandradvip Union of Bauphal Upazila. According to eyewitnesses, a Jamaat organisational programme was underway in one of the classrooms when several Chhatra Dal leaders entered the room uninvited.
A verbal altercation quickly escalated into physical violence, resulting in injuries on both sides.
The injured individuals are listed below:
| Name | Age | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sujan Khan | 25 | Jamaat-e-Islami | Youth wing leader |
| Rakib Hasan | – | Jamaat-e-Islami | Member |
| Abdul Barek Majhi | – | Jamaat-e-Islami | Member |
| Saidul Islam | 23 | Chhatra Dal | Leader |
| Zahirul Islam Sohag | 22 | Chhatra Dal | Leader |
Jamaat leaders claimed that 20–25 Chhatra Dal activists had launched a premeditated attack on their gathering, armed with sticks. They alleged that the assault was unprovoked and planned to disrupt their programme.
Conversely, Chhatra Dal representatives argued that holding a political programme inside an educational institution without proper permission violated electoral codes of conduct. They stated that their members were injured when they intervened after questioning the legality of the Jamaat event.
Speaking to the media, Bauphal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam said that while reports of the clash had reached the authorities through various channels, no formal written complaint had yet been submitted by either party. He added that legal action would be initiated once an official complaint is received.
Local residents expressed concern over the recurring political tensions in the area, warning that such clashes in educational institutions could disrupt learning and jeopardise student safety.
This incident highlights ongoing political rivalry at the grassroots level, particularly within educational settings, raising questions about adherence to regulations governing political activities in schools and colleges.