Jamaat assaults Jatiya Party agent, sends him to hospital

In a disturbing incident in Sherpur, supporters of the Jamaat-e-Islami party are accused of assaulting an election agent of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and vandalising his motorcycle, leaving him hospitalized.

The alleged attack occurred on Saturday night, 14 February, around 9:00 pm, in Namapara, located between Herua and Balurghat in the Char Sherpur Union of Sherpur Sadar Upazila.

The victim, 35-year-old Gias Uddin Russel, was admitted to Sherpur District Sadar Hospital with multiple injuries, including head and facial trauma. Hospital sources confirmed that Russel sustained bruises and contusions across various parts of his body.

According to sources, Russel served as the chief election agent for Dr. Sansila Zebrin Priyanka, the BNP candidate contesting the Sherpur-1 (Sadar) constituency under the party’s emblem of the paddy sheaf.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Russel alleged that he was specifically targeted due to his political affiliation. “I am a BNP supporter and acted as the election agent for the paddy sheaf candidate. That is why Jamaat workers and supporters attacked me,” he said. Russel identified the main attackers as local Jamaat affiliates Keramat, Jamal, Sohel, Monir, and Monir’s brother, stating that 12 to 13 individuals were involved.

He described the incident in detail: “Three men followed me on a motorcycle and pushed me down. An additional eight to nine attackers joined in. In an attempt to save my life, I sought refuge in a nearby shop, but they pursued me and continued the assault.”

Senior BNP leaders visited Russel at the hospital, including Saiful Islam, Secretary of Sherpur Sadar Upazila BNP, Senior Joint Convenor Shahidul Islam, and former Organising Secretary of Sherpur BNP, Akramuzzaman Rahat, among others.

Saiful Islam strongly condemned the attack, saying: “Since Jamaat MP Rashedul Islam’s election, there have been repeated attacks and vandalism against BNP leaders and activists. We denounce this violence and demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.”

Dr. Sansila Zebrin Priyanka also protested the incident, urging authorities to take swift action against those responsible.

Sherpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Sohel Rana, confirmed awareness of the incident and stated that legal action would be taken upon receiving a formal complaint.

Incident Overview

The incident has sparked renewed tensions in Sherpur ahead of the upcoming elections, raising concerns over political violence in the area. Authorities have pledged to investigate the matter promptly.