Violence Erupts in Gafargaon as Rival Candidates Clash

A volatile confrontation broke out in Gafargaon, Mymensingh, on Wednesday afternoon following the official allocation of electoral symbols for the upcoming parliamentary polls. Supporters of the official Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominee, Md. Akteruzzaman Bachchu, and those of the independent candidate, AB Siddique Rahman, engaged in a violent skirmish that left at least five individuals injured and cast a shadow of fear over the local community.

The Spark of Conflict

The incident unfolded around late afternoon near the Islamia Government High School in the Thana Road area of the municipality. According to local sources, BNP loyalists had gathered at the school premises to celebrate Akteruzzaman Bachchu receiving the iconic “Sheaf of Paddy” (Dhaner Sheesh) symbol. Simultaneously, supporters of AB Siddique Rahman—a rebel BNP leader contesting independently with the “Duck” (Hans) symbol—were conducting a jubilant procession through the town.

As the independent candidate’s march passed the school, the atmosphere soured instantly. Provocative slogans led to a heated exchange, which rapidly spiralled into a physical altercation involving “chase and counter-chase” tactics. The violence escalated further in the evening when an office belonging to the Upazila Chhatra Dal President, Muktar Hossain (a staunch BNP supporter), located near the Gafargaon railway station, was reportedly vandalised and set ablaze.

Incident Summary: Gafargaon Political Clash

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Conflicting Allegations

Both candidates have traded accusations regarding the initiation of the violence. Md. Akteruzzaman Bachchu alleged that his supporters were peacefully assembled when the independent candidate’s faction launched an unprovoked assault. “My workers were attacked with gunfire and crude cocktail explosions,” he claimed, suggesting a premeditated attempt to intimidate the official party base.

In contrast, AB Siddique Rahman maintained that his procession was entirely peaceful. “We were marching past the police station when the opposition opened fire and attacked us without any provocation,” he stated. Siddique, who holds the position of Joint Convenor of the Mymensingh South District BNP, is contesting as an independent after failing to secure the official party ticket.

Security Intervention

The severity of the riot necessitated a joint intervention by the police and the Bangladesh Army. Security forces were compelled to use batons to disperse the unruly crowds and restore a semblance of order. Md. Abdul Al Mamun, Additional Superintendent of Police (Finance and Administration), confirmed that the situation is now under surveillance, though the town remains gripped by a “stifling tension.”

Gafargaon Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), NM Abdullah Al Mamun, noted that joint patrols have been intensified to prevent further retaliatory attacks. Despite the heavy security presence, most shops in the local marketplace remained shuttered as residents stayed indoors, fearful of a resurgence in political hostilities as the official campaign season begins.