At least 25 people were injured in violent clashes between supporters of BNP-nominated candidate Rashed Khan (Dhan symbol) and independent candidate Saiful Islam Firoz (Cup-Saucer symbol) in Jhenaidah-4 following the announcement of election results.
The clashes took place in phases from Friday morning to noon, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the attacks.
According to local sources, tensions had been brewing over BNP’s nomination in the constituency. In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md. Abu Talib won the seat with 105,999 votes under the Scale symbol. Following the announcement of the results, supporters of the rival candidates engaged in confrontations that escalated into violence involving locally made weapons.
During the unrest, an election office of the Cup-Saucer symbol was vandalized, and furniture was destroyed. Miscreants also attacked the Maheshpur Press Club office, damaging property. Local Jamaat leaders attempted to calm the situation but were reportedly attacked as well.
Among the injured, 14 individuals have been identified, including local Jamaat leader Amir Hossain, who serves as Ameer of Nal Danga Union Jamaat-e-Islami. It was also confirmed that a father and son (Khokon and Iven) were among the injured.
Police from Kaliganj and Maheshpur police stations later brought the situation under control. The injured were admitted to Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex, with several transferred to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital and Jashore General Hospital. As of 4:00 pm, additional police were deployed in the area.
Independent candidate Saiful Islam Firoz alleged an unprovoked attack and claimed police failed to respond promptly. BNP candidate Rashed Khan countered with allegations of a planned conspiracy following the results.
Police said legal action will be taken upon receiving written complaints.
