Terrorist Activities Escalate Ahead of National Election in Jhenaidah

With the upcoming national parliamentary elections drawing near, reports indicate a surge in illicit arms use and organised violence in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah. The rising activity of armed groups has sparked serious concerns over public safety in the region. Intelligence sources suggest that operatives affiliated with banned organisations, reportedly receiving financial backing from the ruling party, have resumed operations, threatening stability in several local communities.

Sources reveal that arms smuggling has become increasingly facile in several border-adjacent upazilas of Jhenaidah. In recent weeks, law enforcement agencies have apprehended a number of suspects involved in these illegal activities.

On 23 November, a joint operation by the military in the Sroadbaria area of Kaliganj led to the recovery of abandoned firearms, ammunition, and locally-made weapons. During the raid, a suspect named Masud evaded capture, although his residence yielded an Indian-made pistol, three rounds of ammunition, and additional crude arms. Masud Hossain is reportedly facing more than ten cases across multiple police stations, including charges related to arms offences and violent crime.

Local intelligence reports further implicate Alaudin Al Azad, former president of the Kola Union Jubo League and a former chairman, as a key supporter and protector of Masud. On 19 December, police arrested Al Azad in Ramchandrapur market following prolonged surveillance. Sources suggest that Al Azad, together with Nazrul Islam Molla, a former chairman of the neighbouring Jamal Union Parishad, have long maintained networks of armed operatives to exert influence and instil fear.

Several individuals in the Kaliganj area, including Jewel Molla of Baro Talian village, Harun of Pariat village, Masud of Sroadbaria, Hasidul of Choto Talian, and Nesmat of Ramchandrapur, are reported to be involved in extortion, armed violence, and other criminal activities. Their operations predominantly target Kola and Jamal unions, key parts of the Jhenaidah-4 parliamentary constituency.

Last year, on 9 November, Golam Sarwar Hossain, president of the Kola Union BNP, was publicly assaulted and injured, followed by similar attacks on Shukur Ali, the union’s general secretary. Homes of other local political activists were vandalised and looted during this period.

Human rights activist Anowaruzzaman Azad warned, “Since the announcement of the election schedule, certain groups have emerged as a serious threat to electoral integrity. Particularly in Jhenaidah-4, heightened terrorist activity is creating a climate of fear. Authorities must maintain vigilant oversight, or large-scale violence could occur at any time.”

Kaliganj police chief OC Zellal Hossain stated, “Several intelligence teams are actively working on these cases. A number of arrests have already been made. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists and criminal networks in the region.

Key Information :