Dhaka’s streets remain tense days after Bangladesh’s national elections, as fresh waves of violence sweep through multiple districts. At least nine people have been injured in clashes, with one home set ablaze in a brazen act of retaliation.
The unrest intensified Saturday night in Natore district’s Lalpur sub-district, where rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) turned on each other. Six individuals suffered injuries in the fierce skirmish, according to local police. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Mojibur Rahman confirmed the toll, noting that authorities arrested two suspects and recovered a firearm from the scene. A formal case has been registered to probe the incident.
In a separate episode in Sherpur district, a BNP worker aligned with a defeated candidate was assaulted by alleged Jamaat-e-Islami members. Giyasuddin Russell, 35, who served as election agent for Sansila Zebrin Priyanka in Sherpur-1, now recovers from his wounds.
Tensions boiled over further in Feni district’s Dagannabhuyan sub-district, where BNP supporters reportedly attacked Jamaat activist Noor ul Absar Belal at his home in Dakshin Bhanipur village. Belal was rushed to a local health complex before transfer to Feni General Hospital.
Journalists covering the chaos have not been spared. In Jamalpur district’s Dewanganj sub-district, local reporter Shamsul Huda Ratan was beaten while investigating post-poll violence at Mondol Bazar. Ratan accuses Faruk Ahmad, senior joint convener of Jubo Dal’s Dewanganj unit, and his associates of the attack. ‘I’m still unwell and will file a police complaint,’ he vowed.
The violence peaked tragically in Khulna district’s Fulthala sub-district, where a gang torched the house of Jamaat supporter Shokor Akunji in Mashiyali village late Saturday. Shokor’s son, Abdur Razzaq, expressed frustration over unidentified attackers.
Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) in Dhaka released alarming figures Sunday, documenting at least 10 deaths and 2,503 injuries linked to election violence from October 2025 to February 14. Among the casualties, 34 were shot, while over 500 homes, vehicles, businesses, election offices, and polling stations faced vandalism, looting, or arson.
As Bangladesh grapples with these divisions, calls grow for swift intervention to restore calm and hold perpetrators accountable before the fragile peace unravels further.