BNP Candidate Demands Protection After Murder of Activist

Following the brutal assassination of a high-profile campaign worker, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Natore-3 (Singra) constituency, Anwar Hossain, has formally petitioned the authorities for personal security. The request was submitted on Thursday evening, 22 January 2026, to the District Returning Officer, Asma Shahin, as political violence begins to mar the run-up to the national polls.

A Fatal Escalation in Singra

The urgency of the appeal stems from a gruesome incident on Wednesday night. At approximately 11:00 pm, Rezaul Karim, a prominent leader of the Zia Parishad and a dedicated electoral activist for the BNP, was intercepted by unidentified miscreants in the Kumarpura Kadamtala area of Kalam Union. The assailants reportedly slit Karim’s throat before fleeing the scene.

Despite the passage of over 48 hours, local law enforcement has yet to make any arrests in connection with the homicide. Anwar Hossain expressed his profound anxiety regarding the lack of progress, stating that the killers remain at large while he is required to travel through remote rural areas for his daily campaign trail.

Incident and Security Brief: Natore-3 Constituency

Administrative Silence and Police Protocol

As of Friday afternoon, Mr Hossain noted with concern that he had received no formal confirmation regarding his protection. Sources within the District Returning Officer’s office confirmed that the application was immediately forwarded to the Superintendent of Police (SP) for a formal threat assessment.

Ifte Khair Alam, the Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration), addressed the situation by clarifying the state’s position on candidate security. While acknowledging the gravity of the murder, he noted that the police are currently conducting a “verification process.”

“We have significantly bolstered the overall security apparatus in Singra,” Alam stated. “While we cannot currently provide a personal police escort to the candidate, we have increased surveillance at his rallies and public meetings. Undercover officers in plain clothes are monitoring his movements to ensure his safety.”

The Search for Justice

The murder of Rezaul Karim has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising fears of a “culture of impunity” during the election cycle. The BNP has accused rival factions of using “muscle power” to intimidate their workers, a claim that the local administration has promised to investigate impartially.

As the 12 February election draws closer, the safety of candidates remains a paramount concern for the Election Commission. For Anwar Hossain, however, “covert monitoring” is a poor substitute for the visible protection he believes is necessary to prevent further bloodshed in Natore-3.