As the election campaigning gains momentum, conflict and tension are on the rise in at least one-third of the 21 constituencies in the Barisal division.
There have been alleged attacks and counterattacks between the Boat symbol candidates and the independent candidates, resulting in the death of at least one person and injuries to more than fifty others in pre-election violence as of Thursday.
Most of the clashes have taken place in the Pirojpur-1 constituency.
Apart from that, the Barisal-4 constituency currently stands out as the most conflict-prone area within the Barisal district.
In this constituency, activists of Boat candidate SM Rezaul Karim and independent candidate AKMA Awal have been reportedly involved in multiple clashes.
Apart from that Barisal-4 (Mehendiganj upazila), Barisal-5 (Sadar upazila), Barguna-1 (Barguna Sadar, Amtali, Taltali upazilas), Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara and Rangabali upazilas), and Pirojpur-2 (Bhandaria, Kaukhali, Nesharabad upazilas) are significant and vulnerable constituencies.
On December 12, Mohammad Lalon Fakir, 32, the labour affairs secretary of Swachsebak Dal, succumbed to injuries sustained during a clash that occurred during the vandalism of the Awami League's office in the Pirojpur-1 constituency.
Initially admitted to Pirojpur District Hospital, Lalon was later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, where he died while undergoing treatment.
Sources say despite being a member of a BNP-affiliated organization, Lalon was a supporter of upazila Awami League president and Independent candidate AKMA Awal.
On December 17, three individuals, including Tanveer Mujib Avi, the nephew of an independent candidate, sustained injuries in a clash allegedly with activists of Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim.
Sabbir Sheikh, the joint general secretary of the Municipal unit Chhatra League, was beaten and injured, and the residences of three leaders were vandalized.
In this regard, Pirojpur district Superintendent of Police Shariful Islam emphasized that no party would be permitted to undermine law and order.
Meanwhile, Pankaj Nath, an independent candidate, alleged that activists affiliated with Awami League leader Shammi Akter attacked his supporters, despite her being out of the election race after a High Court order.
Pankaj held Awami League International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed’s activists responsible for the assault on the election office as well.
In response, Shammi Akhter's political aide, Syed Monir, asserted that they had no involvement in these attacks.
Independent candidate Salahuddin Ripon, speaking at a press conference at Barisal Press Club on Wednesday, accused activists of Boat symbol candidate Zaheed Farooque of threatening and repeatedly attacking his workers.
Ripon stated that at least three of his workers were injured in these incidents.
Zaheed Farooque denied the allegations.
Independent candidate Shamsul Alam for the Barisal-6 seat, alleged violation of election cide of conduct as his activists were attacked by Awami League men.
In addition, in the Putuakhali-4 constituency, a clash erupted between supporters of Boat symbol candidate Md Mohibbur Rahman and those of independent candidate Mahabubur Rahman.
Furthermore, in the Barguna-1 constituency, multiple clashes have been reportedly taken place between supporters of Awami League Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu and independent candidate Golam Sarwar Tuku.
In this regard, Returning Officer Shahidul Islam stated that necessary measures will be taken following election rules to address the reported issues.
Barisal district Police Superintendent Wahidul Islam said that no one would be exempted if the election code of conduct is violated.
He added that cases have been filed in various areas regarding these conflicts.
The national polls is scheduled to be held on January 7.
