At least 50 injured in BNP–Jamaat clashes in Patuakhali

At least 50 people, including several women, were injured in two separate clashes between activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali on Sunday (February 8), according to police and local sources. One of the injured remains in critical condition.

The violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute over election campaigning. The first clash broke out around noon at Bhandaria Bazar in the Charmiajan area of Chandradwip Union, while a second confrontation occurred around 3:00pm on Hospital Road.

Acording to witnesses, Jamaat’s female activists were carrying out door-to-door campaigning when BNP activists accused them of attempting to influence voters with money and tried to stop the campaign. As tensions escalated, Jamaat supporters arrived in a procession, triggering a clash that lasted for about 30 minutes.

Later in the afternoon, Jamaat activists staged a protest march condemning the earlier attack. The march turned violent near the hospital area after a BNP supporter was allegedly assaulted, prompting chases and counter-chases between the two sides. At least 8 to 10 people were injured in the second round of clashes.

Of the injured, 24 were admitted to the Bauphal Upazila Health Complex, while a Jamaat activist, identified as Jamal Mridha, was transferred in critical condition to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.

In the evening, Jamaat leaders and activists blocked the entrance to Bauphal police station and the Barishal–Bauphal road, demanding the transfer of Officer-in-Charge (OC) Siddiqur Rahman. The blockade continued until at least 8:00pm.

Upazila Jamaat Secretary Mohammad Khalidur Rahman alleged that the OC had failed to remain neutral and accused him of encouraging repeated attacks on Jamaat activists.

The OC, however, denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded. “I am carrying out my duties with complete neutrality. The overall law and order situation in Bauphal, including Chandradwip, is under control,” he said.

Attempts to contact Bauphal BNP Convener Apel Mahmud Firoz were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment citing illness.