Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly condemned and protested the attack on its leaders and activists during the election campaign in Ishwardi, Pabna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BNP alleged that local leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami orchestrated the attack on BNP members during the election campaign on Thursday afternoon. The party issued a statement on Thursday night detailing these accusations.
The BNP’s statement reported that over 50 of its leaders and activists were injured in the incident, and they are currently receiving medical treatment. The party further accused Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate Abu Taleb Mandal of leading the attack.
The statement also described how some local religious individuals expressed disapproval when Jamaat activists attempted to influence voters using religious rhetoric such as “religious temptation and ticket of Jannat (heaven).” This led to Jamaat activists launching an indiscriminate attack on BNP members.
Despite some media outlets publishing what the BNP describes as misleading reports, a picture published in the Daily Manab Zamin newspaper allegedly showed Jamaat activist Tushar holding a weapon.
In response to the incident, the BNP emphasized its commitment to maintaining a peaceful political environment, cautioning that its restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. The party stated it would not retaliate, as such actions could jeopardize the country’s democratic progress.
The BNP demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. They urged the government to take effective measures to ensure a peaceful election environment.