Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka Metropolitan North Secretary and candidate for Lakshmipur-3, has accused the local administration of failing to maintain a neutral environment for the upcoming national election.
Speaking at a press conference at the Lakshmipur Press Club on Friday (January 16), Dr. Karim cited the recent killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi and the ongoing violence in Lakshmipur as evidence of a deteriorating "level playing field."
The press conference was called to protest an attack on Jamaat activists, allegedly carried out by BNP supporters, in Battala village of Charshahi Union on Thursday (January 15).
The incident began during an election campaign by Dr. Karim’s wife, Fatema Akter Happy. A verbal altercation between supporters of both parties escalated into a violent clash, leaving 15 people injured. Tension continued late into the night at the District Sadar Hospital, where both groups gathered and chanted slogans before police and army personnel restored order.
Dr. Karim criticized the police for failing to register their complaint immediately. "We filed a complaint last night, but the administration has yet to accept the case," he said. "The administration sometimes adopts a one-sided policy, telling victims to 'settle the matter themselves' rather than taking legal action."
He demanded an apolitical approach from the authorities and called for the immediate arrest of those involved in the Charshahi attack.
Lakshmipur District Jamaat Secretary AR Hafiz Ullah presented a formal written statement during the briefing. Other senior leaders present including Momin Ullah Patwari: President, District Workers’ Welfare Federation, Advocate Abul Farah Nishan: Lakshmipur City Jamaat Ameer and Rezaul Islam Khan Suman: Chandraganj Thana Jamaat Secretary.
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