Political tensions reached a boiling point in the Munshiganj-3 constituency (Sadar and Gazaria) this Saturday, as a violent skirmish broke out between supporters of the official BNP nominee and those of a “rebel” candidate. The clash, which occurred in the Munshikandi village of Mollakandi Union at approximately 12:30 pm, left at least four individuals seriously injured by gunfire and crude bomb explosions.
The Conflict of Allegiances
The Munshiganj-3 seat has become a volatile battleground due to an internal rift within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). While the central leadership has backed Md. Kamruzzaman under the traditional ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ (Dhaner Shish) symbol, the recently expelled District BNP Member Secretary, Md. Mohiuddin, is contesting as an independent under the ‘Football’ symbol.
This political division has re-ignited long-standing local feuds. The ‘Football’ campaign is spearheaded in Mollakandi by district leaders Ataur Rahman Mallick and Wahid Raihan, while the official ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ campaign is led by Ujir Ahmed and Aolad Hossain Mollah.
Casualty and Incident Report
The confrontation reportedly began with a heated verbal altercation as ‘Football’ supporters entered Munshikandi village. According to witnesses, the situation escalated rapidly when supporters of the official candidate allegedly launched an assault using crude bombs (cocktails), machetes, and firearms.
| Victim Name | Status | Type of Injury |
| Md. Lizon | Transferred to Dhaka | Splinter/Pellet wounds to eyes and body |
| Nuruddin | Transferred to Dhaka | Splinter/Pellet wounds to legs and body |
| Faisal Hossain | Stable | Minor injuries from the chase |
| Md. Nirob | Stable | Minor injuries from the chase |
Dr. Mohammad Ataul Karim of Munshiganj General Hospital confirmed that the primary victims bore marks consistent with shotgun pellets or crude bomb shrapnel. “Due to the severity of the injuries to their eyes and limbs, they were referred to Dhaka for specialist treatment,” he stated.
A History of Bloodshed
Local residents suggest that this is not merely an electoral dispute but a continuation of a lethal rivalry over regional dominance. The factions led by Wahid-Atiq Mallick and Ujir-Aolad have been at odds for years; a similar clash in November last year resulted in the deaths of three people. Fear is now mounting that the election is being used as a pretext to settle old scores, plunging the community back into a state of terror.
The Officer-in-Charge of Munshiganj Sadar Police Station, Md. Mominul Islam, reported that police have recovered several spent shell casings from the scene. “We have deployed additional forces to stabilise the area, and raids are currently underway to apprehend those responsible for the violence,” he assured.