Clash Between BNP and Independent Supporters Injures 16

Lalpur, 6 February 2026: Sixteen individuals were injured following a violent clash between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an independent candidate in Lalpur. Among the injured were four supporters of BNP candidate Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul and twelve supporters of independent candidate Taiful Islam Tipu. Police have arrested one person in connection with the incident.

According to police sources, the confrontation occurred on Friday evening at around 8:00 PM in Kachua Bazar, located in the Arbab Union of Lalpur Upazila. Supporters of Taiful Islam Tipu, a former BNP member now running as an independent candidate, were conducting a public outreach rally when they approached the election camp of Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul. A verbal altercation soon escalated into physical skirmishes between the two groups.

During the clash, several motorcycles belonging to the independent candidate’s supporters were vandalised, and damage was inflicted on the BNP candidate’s election camp. The violence created panic across Kachua Bazar, prompting shopkeepers to close their stores.

A total of 16 individuals were injured, 14 of whom have been admitted to the Upazila Health Complex, while two others received primary treatment and were discharged.

Police detained Khalilur Rahman, son of Abdur Rashid from the Borboria area, at the scene.

Speaking to reporters, Taiful Islam Tipu claimed that his rally was attacked in a premeditated assault. He alleged that local firearms were used during the incident and that multiple motorcycles were destroyed. Following the clash, Tipu’s supporters filed complaints naming 27 individuals, with an additional 70–80 unidentified persons also listed in the police report.

Conversely, Harunar Rashid Pappu, chief election agent for Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul and former Upazila BNP secretary, accused Tipu’s supporters of initiating the attack, vandalising banners and candidate portraits. On behalf of Putul, 19 individuals were named and over 100 unidentified persons included in a formal complaint.

Lalpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mojibur Rahman stated that written complaints have been lodged by both parties. He confirmed that one arrest has been made and said that the police would take legal action after completing their investigation.

The incident highlights rising tensions in Lalpur ahead of the upcoming elections, with local authorities urging candidates and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign period.