In a disturbing escalation of pre-election violence, a campaign vehicle supporting the “Dhanner Sheesh” (Rice Sheaf) candidate was targeted in a shooting in Ali Khali, Hnila Union, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred on Thursday night, 5 February, near Camp 25 of the local Rohingya settlement.
According to local sources, the attack left five people injured, including a child. Of the injured, two are Rohingya and three are Bangladeshi citizens. Authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the perpetrators or their motives.
The injured individuals have been identified as follows:
| Name | Age | Nationality | Parentage / Relation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahman | 36 | Rohingya | Son of Nur Hossain | Injured in shooting |
| Mohammad Zisan | 13 | Rohingya | Son of Nurul Haque | Child victim |
| Baccha Mia | 38 | Bangladeshi | Son of late Vekka Mia | Injured in shooting |
| Nusrat Jahan | 18 | Bangladeshi | Daughter of Abdul Jalil | Injured in shooting |
| Shahabuddin | 11 | Bangladeshi | Son of Nur Islam | Child victim |
Eyewitnesses reported that the campaign vehicle had just arrived in Ali Khali for election canvassing when gunfire erupted. Panic ensued as residents rushed to provide assistance, eventually transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Islam confirmed the incident, stating: “Five individuals were injured last night when gunfire targeted an election campaign vehicle in Ali Khali. At this stage, the identities of the shooters remain unknown. An investigation is currently underway.”
The attack has heightened concerns over security in the area ahead of the upcoming elections. Local authorities and community leaders have urged calm and stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment during the electoral period. Meanwhile, election officials are reportedly reviewing campaign security protocols to prevent similar incidents.
Such acts of violence, especially in regions hosting vulnerable populations such as Rohingya refugees, raise alarm over the potential for politically motivated clashes to spill over into civilian areas. Humanitarian agencies and law enforcement continue to monitor the situation closely, while urging citizens to report any suspicious activities immediately.
The community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and assurances that electoral activities can continue safely. Investigations are expected to include both local and law enforcement agencies, with police promising updates as the inquiry progresses.
