In a disturbing development ahead of the forthcoming national elections, Shahjahan Chowdhury, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominee and district BNP president for Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhiya-Teknaf) constituency, received a direct death threat at his residence on Sunday morning.
Unknown individuals, identifying themselves as “Battalion-71,” delivered a letter accompanied by a small piece of white cloth, symbolically intended as a shroud. The threatening correspondence prompted Shahjahan Chowdhury to file a General Diary (GD) at Ukhiya Police Station.
The letter explicitly warned, “Refrain from participating in the upcoming national parliamentary elections, or your fate will be like Sharif Osman Hadi. You are under surveillance by our killing squad for the next 24 hours. We have sent a shroud for you.” The note was signed by an individual claiming to be the regional coordinator, named “Muminul Alam.”
According to the GD, Shahjahan Chowdhury, a four-time former Member of Parliament and former Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, received the letter through a postal messenger from Ukhiya Post Office. Upon opening it, he discovered not only the explicit death threat but also the symbolic white cloth, reinforcing the message of intimidation.
Shahjahan Chowdhury described the letter’s contents as indicative of a pre-meditated conspiracy designed to undermine both his personal security and social standing. He also reported that the threats have caused significant fear and anxiety for himself and his family.
Reacting to the incident, Cox’s Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police, Alok Biswas, stated, “A GD has been filed regarding the threats against Shahjahan Chowdhury. We are investigating the matter and will take necessary measures.”
The incident has raised broader concerns about election security and the safety of candidates in the region. Law enforcement agencies have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and those responsible will face stringent legal consequences.
The following table summarises key details of the incident:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name | Shahjahan Chowdhury |
| Constituency | Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhiya-Teknaf) |
| Political Party | Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) |
| Election Position | Parliamentary Candidate |
| Threat Source | Unknown, identifying as “Battalion-71” |
| Items Sent | Letter and small piece of white cloth (symbolic shroud) |
| GD Filed At | Ukhiya Police Station |
| Main Allegations | Death threat, intimidation, insecurity, risk to social reputation |
| Police Response | Investigation underway, necessary measures to be taken |
This alarming episode underscores the urgent need for heightened security measures for political candidates during the electoral process, ensuring a safe and fair environment for democratic participation.