Bogra, 21 February: Police have apprehended two senior leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami following violent clashes linked to the ongoing local elections in Nandigram. The arrests were made on Saturday afternoon during coordinated raids across various areas of the municipality.
The detained leaders are:
ATM Mujahid, Baitulmal Secretary of Nandigram Municipality Jamaat
Rakibul Islam, Youth and Sports Secretary of the Upazila Jamaat
Background of Election Violence
According to police and local sources, tensions escalated ahead of the elections in Parshun village, located within Thalta Majhgram Union. Clashes broke out, resulting in several injuries and property damage. Among the seriously injured was Masud Rana Majid, President of BNP’s Majhgram Union unit. The victims subsequently filed complaints at Nandigram Police Station.
The initial details of the incident are summarised in the table below:
| Incident Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of people injured | At least 5 seriously injured |
| Named accused in case | 35 individuals |
| Leaders arrested | ATM Mujahid, Rakibul Islam |
| Location of incident | Parshun Village, Thalta Majhgram Union |
| Property damaged | Several residential houses |
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Nandigram Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Mizanur Rahman, stated that the accused had been evading arrest since the filing of the case. Acting on intelligence reports, the police successfully apprehended Mujahid and Rakibul. Rahman added that operations are ongoing to bring the remaining suspects into custody.
Local residents indicated that the arrested leaders have previously been involved in political clashes, raising concerns about recurring tensions. Authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent further escalation.
Measures for Electoral Safety
To ensure a peaceful electoral process and safeguard ordinary voters, additional police forces have been deployed across the area. OC Mizanur Rahman emphasised: “Upholding the rule of law remains our primary objective. We will not tolerate any form of violence during the elections.”
Following the arrests, political tension in Nandigram has intensified. Residents are cautiously optimistic that the swift action by law enforcement and the detention of influential figures will stabilise the security situation ahead of the vote.