At least 30 people sustained injuries following an attack on a Jamaat-e-Islami election rally held at Shekherchar Bus Stand in Meherpara Union, Narsingdi Sadar. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have alleged that local activists affiliated with Jubo Dal and the Tanti party orchestrated the assault.
The injured were swiftly transported to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital for treatment. Resident Medical Officer Farida Gulshanara Kabir confirmed that 14 patients received care at the hospital, with seven subsequently referred to Dhaka for further medical attention due to the severity of their injuries.
Amjad Hossain, district secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami and candidate for the Narsingdi-2 parliamentary constituency, addressed a press conference, stating that around 40 individuals were involved in the attack. Among those accused were Bakhtiar Hossain, president of the Tanti party, and Iftikhar Alam, a Jubo Dal leader. Hossain demanded the immediate arrest of the alleged perpetrators.
According to Hossain, tensions escalated when certain Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders verbally abused him while he was on stage. Although local residents initially managed to prevent the situation from worsening, the assailants returned following the rally, reportedly wielding homemade weapons. In addition to the 30 injured, three Jamaat workers remain missing, raising concerns about their safety.
Efforts to reach Bakhtiar Hossain for comment were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Abdur Rashid Mia, local BNP president, categorically denied the accusations and stated that five BNP members had been seriously injured during a counter-attack.
Police have confirmed that an official investigation has been launched. No arrests have been reported as of Thursday evening. Authorities are reviewing eyewitness accounts, hospital records, and surveillance footage from the area to establish a detailed chronology of events.
Summary of Incident
| Detail | Number/Information |
|---|---|
| Injured (Jamaat-e-Islami) | 30 |
| Treated at Narsingdi Sadar Hospital | 14 |
| Referred to Dhaka | 7 |
| Missing Jamaat workers | 3 |
| Alleged attackers | ~40 |
| BNP members reportedly injured | 5 |
The incident has heightened political tensions in the district ahead of forthcoming elections, with local observers urging calm and restraint from all parties involved.