Allegations of attacks and shooting during Jamaat candidate's campaign in Pabna

In Ishwardi, Pabna, there have been allegations of attacks and shooting by supporters of BNP candidate Habibur Rahman Habib during the campaign of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Pabna-4 constituency and district Jamaat Ameer Abu Taleb Mandal. Several workers and supporters, including Abu Taleb Mandal, were injured during this time. Several motorcycles, including the candidate's car, were vandalized.

The incident took place on Thursday (February 27) afternoon in the Char Garagari area of Sahapur Union of the upazila.

The names and addresses of the injured could not be immediately obtained. They have been admitted to the Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex.

According to local and eyewitness sources, local BNP leader Makkel Mridha and his men beat up local Jamaat workers in the Char Garagari area of Ishwardi two days ago. After that incident, Jamaat candidate for Pabna-4 constituency and district Jamaat Ameer Abu Taleb Mandal and his supporters went to campaign in the area on Thursday. When they reached Char Gargari Alhaj intersection, they were attacked by the son of Makkel Mridha. Later, on the way, Jamaat leaders and activists were attacked again by Makkel Mridha's people in Mridhapara. Abu Taleb Mandal's car was vandalized. He was quickly moved to a safe place, but was slightly injured. In addition, several Jamaat workers and supporters were injured. Several motorcycles were vandalized in the chase and clash.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abu Taleb Mandal said, "We went there today as part of our pre-planned program, but BNP terrorists supporting Habibur Rahman Habib attacked us with weapons and opened fire on us. They vandalized more than a hundred of our motorcycles, including my car. Many of our leaders, workers and supporters were injured."

Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) A.S.M. Abdun Noor said that there was a chase between two local groups over the election campaign. After receiving the information, the police went to the spot and brought the situation under control. The incident is being investigated. No complaint has been received. Legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.

Meanwhile, attempts were made to contact BNP's Pabna-4 constituency candidate Habibur Rahman Habib on mobile phone, but his comment could not be obtained.

However, several local BNP leaders and workers alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami has adopted a strategy to destabilize the environment by taking the cue from a previous incident. They are trying to make a fool of Til and provide fabricated information on social media to blame BNP for their sabotage.