Two Jamaat Leaders Arrested Over Electoral Violence

Bogra, 22 February: Police have apprehended two senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami in Nandigram in connection with incidents of pre-election violence. The arrests took place yesterday afternoon (21 February) within the municipal area.

The individuals detained are ATM Mujahid, Baitulmal Secretary of Nandigram Municipality Jamaat, and Rakibul Islam, Youth and Sports Secretary of Nandigram Upazila Jamaat. Both are now in police custody pending further investigation.

According to Nandigram police sources, tensions escalated in Parshun village of Thalta Majhgram Union ahead of the upcoming elections, culminating in violent clashes. Several properties were damaged during the unrest, and a number of individuals sustained serious injuries. Among the injured was Masud Rana Majid, President of Majhgram Union BNP, who later filed a case with the Nandigram Police Station against 35 individuals. Mujahid and Rakibul Islam were subsequently added as accused in this case.

The Officer-in-Charge of Nandigram Police, Mizanur Rahman, confirmed the arrests and stated that both accused had been absconding since the filing of the case. “Following a tip-off from reliable sources, we conducted a targeted operation and successfully apprehended the two suspects. Operations to arrest the remaining accused are ongoing,” he added.

The pre-election violence has raised concerns about law and order in Nandigram, with local residents urging authorities to ensure safety and a peaceful electoral process. Police have assured strict monitoring in the area and warned that any further disturbances will be dealt with firmly.

Key Details of the Arrests

Police continue to investigate the incident and have appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. The arrests are seen as part of a broader effort to curb electoral violence and maintain peace in the run-up to the elections.