BNP-Jamaat clash over seating on stage in Sherpur, 40 injured

District Correspondent

A clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat workers and supporters over seating on the stage during the election manifesto reading ceremony in Sherpur-3 (Shrivardi-Jhenaigati) constituency. At least 40 people from both sides were injured. Several motorcycles were also vandalized.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 28th, at noon before the program began at the Jhenaigati Upazila Mini Stadium ground.

According to the upazila administration and local sources, the manifesto reading ceremony was to be held by the Jhenaigati upazila administration as per the previously announced program. Rival candidates of various parties arrived at the venue since morning. Later, Jhenaigati Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Ashraful Alam Russell sat on the stage and started reading the manifesto with the rival candidates.

Then, some local BNP and Jamaat activists and supporters got into an argument over not being able to sit in the same row of chairs on the stage. At one point, the argument turned into a clash. When the situation got out of control, chases and counter-chases started between the two sides. Hundreds of chairs placed in front of the stage were vandalized. At least 40 people from both sides were injured.

At the same time, the angry crowd also broke several motorcycles.

The injured were rescued by locals and admitted to Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex and Sherpur District Sadar Hospital. Upon receiving information, the police and army reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

After this incident, one side blamed the other.

Jamaat’s nominated candidate Nuruzzaman Badal alleged that the BNP and its supporters carried out a pre-planned attack. At least 15 of their workers and supporters were injured in the attack. He demanded a fair trial in the incident.

On the other hand, BNP’s candidate with the paddy sheaf symbol, Mahmudul Haque Rubel, claimed that extremists and militants carried out a pre-planned attack on the Jamaat manifesto event. Many BNP leaders and activists were injured in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment at the Upazila Health Complex.

Jhenaigati Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Ashraful Alam Russell said the event was organized peacefully with all the candidates.

However, an undesirable situation arose due to the seating on the stage. The matter has been reported to the higher authorities and necessary action will be taken.

Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan said that the police and the army have jointly brought the situation under control. The situation is currently normal. No case has been filed in this incident yet; if a complaint is received, action will be taken according to the law.