Campaign dispute sparks BNP–Jamaat clash in Narayanganj

A clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists in Araihazar of Narayanganj, over allegations of obstructing election campaigning, leaving several people from both sides injured.

The incident took place around noon in Mollar Char area of Gopaldi Municipality on Tuesday (January 27).

Md. Alauddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Araihazar Police Station, said, "Tensions escalated over campaign interference, leading to a confrontation. Police and administration personnel intervened to restore order."

Jamaat candidate for Narayanganj-2, Ilyas Molla, claimed that their female campaigners were obstructed while distributing election materials and accused local BNP supporters of attacking them, resulting in at least seven injuries. “Our women were harassed while promoting the campaign. Even my chief agent’s wife was present during the incident,” he said.

However, Araihazar BNP president Yusuf Ali Bhuiyan denied the allegations, asserting that the dispute arose over the placement of banners and no violence took place. He accused the Jamaat candidate of exaggerating the incident for political propaganda.

Assistant Returning Officer and Araihazar UNO Md. Asadur Rahman said the situation was viewed as a misunderstanding and that police, along with the Executive Magistrate, were deployed at the site.

"Any written complaints would be investigated and appropriate action taken," he added.

No formal complaints had been filed at Araihazar police station as of Tuesday evening, according to the OC.