A spate of clandestine attacks, shootings, killings, explosions, mob violence, and the use of illegal firearms has intensified concerns over electoral security in Bangladesh. Within the first week of the new year alone, at least four fatal shootings were reported. Prior to this, incidents of attacks during election campaigns and gunfire had already been recorded, signalling a worrying deterioration in law and order as the national parliamentary elections approach.

On Wednesday night, in the bustling Tejturi Bazaar area near Farmgate and Karwan Bazar in Dhaka, a leader of a volunteer political group was shot dead. The following day, in Gazipur, gunmen targeted a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) worker, fleeing with his motorcycle. Fortunately, he survived the attack. Earlier that morning, two youths were killed in a house explosion in Jajira, Shariatpur. Police confirmed the explosion occurred during the manufacture of a cocktail device, possibly intended for sabotage or political attacks.

The shootings involving Osman Hadi had created a climate of fear among election participants, voters, candidates, and political parties, though this tension has since somewhat eased. Despite isolated incidents, no large-scale disruption of the election process has occurred so far. Maintaining this relative calm is now the primary challenge.

Previous attacks underscore the growing volatility:

Illegal firearms have heightened anxiety, particularly after the shooting of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8, on 12 December near Calvert Road, Old Paltan. This prompted the launch of “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2” on 13 December, resulting in 15,936 arrests by 7 January, but only a limited number of professional or major criminals were apprehended, and only 236 weapons were recovered. Many firearms looted during the 5 August 2024 mass uprising remain unaccounted for, posing a continuing electoral risk.

Election officials, including Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, have taken steps to secure electoral offices and ensure candidate safety. Police Inspector General Baharul Alam confirmed that 187,603 personnel have been prepared for election duties, with special attention given to high-risk centres.

Political candidates are understandably anxious. Videos of Gopalganj-3 BNP candidate S.M. Zillani donning a bulletproof vest during a campaign meeting illustrate the pervasive sense of insecurity. Meanwhile, human rights organisations report a continuing rise in mob violence and political attacks. According to Ain o Salish Kendra, 197 people fell victim to mob violence in 2025, up from 128 in 2024.

Analysts warn that preserving security, preventing violence, and restoring public confidence remain the most urgent challenges as Bangladesh approaches its national elections.