Violence Mars Final Day of Election Campaigning

As the curtain falls on the electoral campaign period, a surge of political violence has gripped several regions across Bangladesh, including Barguna, Cumilla, and Gazipur. Reports of targeted stabbings, ambushes on motorcades, and internal skirmishes have surfaced, leaving several political figures and activists with serious injuries.

Brutal Assault on Former MP in Barguna

In the most high-profile incident, Golam Sarwar Hiru, a former Member of Parliament for the Barguna-2 constituency (Betagi-Patharghata-Bamna), was brutally attacked on Monday afternoon. The assault occurred at approximately 4:00 pm directly outside his residence in Ward 9 of Patharghata Municipality.

According to local sources, Mr Hiru was leaving his home for personal business when he was ambushed by a group of three to four assailants armed with sharp weapons and iron pipes. The attackers reportedly struck him indiscriminately, causing severe lacerations and blunt-force trauma. The situation was prevented from escalating further when a passing procession of Jamaat-e-Islami activists intervened to rescue him. Joint forces, comprising the Navy, BGB, and Police, arrived shortly thereafter, though the culprits managed to flee the scene.

Clashes in Cumilla and Tongi

In Devidwar, Cumilla, tensions boiled over on Sunday night at the Wahedpur South Market. Supporters of the NCP candidate, Hasnat Abdullah, allegedly launched an attack on activists campaigning for Gono Odhikar Parishad’s candidate, Md. Jassim Uddin. The victims—identified as Golam Haqqani, Suman, and Sujan—are known BNP supporters who were conducting microphone publicity from an auto-rickshaw.

Meanwhile, in Tongi, Gazipur, what began as an internal dispute during a procession for “Sheaf of Paddy” candidate M. Manjurul Karim Rony dissolved into a violent brawl. A verbal altercation between local leaders Suman Sarkar and Kiran escalated into a physical confrontation between their respective followers, resulting in at least ten injuries.

Summary of Campaign Violence: 9 February 2026

Security Concerns Ahead of the Polls

The attack on independent candidate Shihab Ahmed in the Lalmonirhat-1 constituency has further heightened anxieties regarding candidate safety. Despite the heavy presence of law enforcement and paramilitary units, the final hours of the campaign have been defined by volatility rather than policy debate.

The Election Commission has faced increasing pressure to ensure a peaceful voting environment as these “final day” clashes often serve as a precursor to polling day unrest. Law enforcement agencies have reportedly intensified patrols in “red zones” where rivalry remains most acute.