A local Jamaat-e-Islami leader who was critically injured in a clash with BNP supporters during an election-related program in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati upazila has died, prompting administrative action, political recriminations and renewed calls to prevent violence ahead of the February 12 polls.
Rezaul Karim, general secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sreebardi upazila unit, succumbed to his injuries around 9:30pm on Wednesday while being taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan said.
In the latest development on Thursday, the Sherpur upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and the officer-in-charge (OC) of the local police station were withdrawn following the incident, officials confirmed.
The clash broke out around 3pm on Wednesday over seating arrangements during a manifesto-reading program organized by the upazila administration for rival candidates of the Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi–Jhenaigati) constituency.
Witnesses said supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP got into a heated argument that quickly escalated into violence, leaving at least 30 people injured.
The program was held at the Mini Stadium ground in Jhenaigati. During the clash, at least six motorcycles and more than 100 chairs were vandalized and set on fire.
Jamaat candidate Mohammad Nuruzzaman Badal said Rezaul Karim was seriously injured earlier in the evening during violence in the Jhenaigati Bazar area. Leaders and activists of both Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP blamed each other for triggering the clashes.
Jamaat reaction, protests
Following the death, Jamaat-e-Islami’s district unit brought out a protest rally in Sherpur town and later held a press conference in Sreebardi, strongly condemning the killing and demanding justice.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, warning against delays.
He alleged that BNP supporters arrived late at the program organized by the assistant returning officer and occupied chairs meant for other parties, triggering an argument. He further claimed that BNP activists later attacked Jamaat supporters with homemade weapons.
More than 50 Jamaat supporters were injured, three of them critically, he said, adding that the public was now watching how law enforcement agencies would respond. “The nation will not tolerate any delay,” he wrote.
DU protest, sharp rhetoric
The killing also sparked protests in Dhaka. On Wednesday night, Dhaka University students led by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) leaders staged a protest march, demanding swift justice.
Gathering at the VC Chattar around 11:30pm, protesters marched to the Raju Memorial Sculpture chanting slogans.
Addressing the gathering, Ducsu Vice President Shadik Kayem strongly criticized BNP, calling on its acting chairman Tarique Rahman to reform the party and bring perpetrators of political violence to justice.
He also urged the interim government to ensure a level playing field for a free and fair election.
BNP calls violence ‘unwarranted’
On Thursday, BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin described the Sherpur violence as “unwarranted” and called for a quick, impartial investigation.
Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Election Office in Gulshan, he questioned how the situation escalated and whether it could have been avoided. He alleged that Jamaat leaders occupied all the chairs at the venue despite seat allocations made by the administration and ignored repeated requests to de-escalate.
“Violence over such a minor issue like seating is in no way acceptable,” he said, adding that people had expected a festive election atmosphere following the mass uprising, not violence.
Mahdi also said more than 40 BNP leaders and activists were injured, several critically. Referring to videos circulating on social media, he claimed they showed repeated requests from police, administration officials and even BNP leaders asking the Jamaat candidate to avoid a particular route.
The death of any person, regardless of political identity, is deeply regrettable, he said, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
Interim government response
The interim government expressed deep concern over the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, calling the loss of life “unacceptable and deeply regrettable”.
With less than two weeks left before the election, the government urged all political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure discipline among their supporters.
“There is no place for violence, intimidation or loss of life in the democratic process,” the statement said, adding that Sherpur police have launched an investigation and security has been tightened in the district.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election, calling on all stakeholders to maintain calm and uphold democratic conduct.
