A Union Parishad (UP) member was seriously injured in a violent assault while returning home after casting his vote in Taltali Upazila of Barguna district on Thursday afternoon. The victim, Ali Ahmad Forazi, was attacked with sharp, locally made weapons and later transferred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal due to the severity of his injuries.
The incident occurred on 12 February at approximately 3:00 p.m. According to local sources, Mr Forazi had just voted at the Kazirkhal Government Primary School polling centre and was travelling home by motorcycle. When he reached the Panjarbhanga area, his path was allegedly blocked by two local men — Saidul, son of Jabbar Gazi, and Riad, son of Zafar Gazi. The two men are accused of forcibly stopping his motorcycle and attacking him with sharp weapons, leaving him critically wounded before fleeing the scene.
Local residents rushed to the scene after hearing the commotion and rescued Mr Forazi in a bloodied condition. He was first taken to Taltali Upazila Health Complex, where doctors provided primary treatment. However, due to multiple deep wounds and significant blood loss, he was referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for advanced medical care.
Dr Md Rakibul, the duty physician at Taltali Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that the patient’s condition was serious. “He sustained multiple sharp-force injuries. Considering the seriousness of his condition, we immediately referred him to Barishal for specialised treatment,” he said.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Asadur Rahman of Taltali Police Station stated that a police team was dispatched to the scene upon receiving the report. “The incident took place some distance away from the polling centre. The motive behind the attack is not yet known. We are conducting an investigation and legal action will be taken accordingly,” he said. Efforts are reportedly underway to apprehend the suspects.
The local administration has also taken note of the matter. Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Zahidul Islam said he had just received the information and confirmed that an administrative team was being sent to the scene. He added that if the victim’s family wishes to file a case, the administration will provide full cooperation.
Although election officials described the overall voting process in the area as largely peaceful, this attack has raised concerns among residents regarding post-election security and political violence. Locals have called for the swift arrest of those responsible and assurance of safety in the aftermath of the vote.
A summary of the key details is provided below:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Ali Ahmad Forazi |
| Position | UP Member, Ward 7, Boro Bogi Union |
| Date of Incident | 12 February (Thursday) |
| Time | Approximately 3:00 p.m. |
| Location | Panjarbhanga area, Taltali Upazila, Barguna |
| Alleged Assailants | Saidul (son of Jabbar Gazi), Riad (son of Zafar Gazi) |
| Nature of Attack | Assault with sharp, locally made weapons |
| Medical Status | Transferred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal |
Authorities have assured that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be disclosed as more information becomes available.