Gunfire and Chaos Engulf Noakhali-2 as Rival Candidates Clash

The electoral landscape of the Noakhali-2 constituency (comprising Senbagh and parts of Sonaimuri) has descended into turmoil following allegations of an assassination attempt and retaliatory strikes. On Sunday evening, the convoy of Kazi Md. Mafizur Rahman, a high-profile “rebel” independent candidate and former BNP stalwart, was reportedly targeted by gunfire and projectiles, narrowly avoiding a tragedy.

Ambush at Dildar Market

The primary incident occurred at approximately 6:30 pm near Dildar Market in the Kabilpur Union. Mr Rahman, who is contesting under the “Cup and Saucer” symbol after being expelled from the BNP for defying party directives, had just finished Maghrib prayers when his vehicle was swarmed.

According to Mr Rahman, a group of assailants opened fire on his car, shattering the windows. “I and my companions survived by the grace of the Almighty,” he told reporters, explicitly blaming activists loyal to the official BNP candidate and the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol. Local witnesses confirmed hearing “loud bangs” and seeing youths pelt the vehicle with stones, though the specific nature of the terminal ballistics remains under police investigation.

Retaliation and Counter-Claims

The violence did not end there. The official BNP nominee and veteran politician, Zainul Abdin Farroque, alleged that his own convoy was targeted by Mr Rahman’s supporters near the Senbagh Upazila headquarters shortly thereafter. Farroque claimed his car was pelted with bricks and sticks, causing significant damage.

Addressing the allegations against his own camp, Farroque dismissed the “rebel” candidate’s claims as a fabrication, suggesting that Mr Rahman’s associates may have staged the attack on their own vehicle to garner sympathy or frame the opposition.

Candidate Profiles and Incident Summary

Policing a “Tense” Environment

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Senbagh Police Station, Mohammad Abul Bashar, confirmed that while the vehicle was clearly damaged, the use of firearms is yet to be verified through forensic evidence. The station crossroad became a flashpoint later in the evening as rival supporters engaged in street brawls and “tit-for-tat” skirmishes.

The situation remains volatile. Mr Rahman previously served as the General Secretary of the Upazila BNP and Chairman of the Upazila Parishad, and his local influence poses a direct threat to the official party line. As the “Cup and Saucer” supporters continue their demonstrations at the Senbagh bazaar, additional police units have been deployed to prevent further bloodshed.