Independent Candidate’s Aide Fatally Stabbed in Mymensingh

The run-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election has been marred by tragedy in Mymensingh’s Dhobaura Upazila, where a political activist was fatally stabbed during a campaign event. The victim, identified as Nazrul Islam (46), was a dedicated supporter of Salman Omar Rubel, an independent candidate contesting the Mymensingh-1 (Haluaghat-Dhobaura) constituency.

Details of the Incident

The fatal assault occurred on the evening of Friday, 16 January 2026, at Ershad Bazar. Witnesses report that the violence erupted during the inaugural ceremony of a new campaign office for Salman Omar Rubel. Amidst the gathering, a group of assailants targeted Nazrul Islam, inflicting multiple stab wounds.

Local residents and fellow activists rushed the critically injured man to the Dhobaura Upazila Health Complex. However, upon arrival, the attending physicians declared him dead. Nazrul Islam was the son of Haji Mofiz Uddin, a resident of the Ramsinghpur area.

Political Tension and Allegations

The incident has triggered widespread panic and palpable tension throughout the constituency. Supporters of the independent candidate have pointed the finger at political rivals. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the attackers were supporters of Emran Saleh Prince, the candidate nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

While the police have yet to confirm the political affiliation of the assailants, the brutal nature of the crime during a celebratory office opening has cast a shadow over the electoral environment. The local administration has deployed additional personnel to prevent further retaliatory violence.

Incident Summary and Legal Action

Law enforcement moved swiftly following the attack, resulting in the apprehension of two suspects. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dhobaura Police Station, Shafiqul Islam, confirmed that the crime scene has been cordoned off for forensic investigation.

Security Measures Ahead of the Polls

The Officer-in-Charge stated that a formal case is currently being processed and that the body of the deceased has been sent for a post-mortem examination. "We are maintaining a strict vigil at Ershad Bazar to ensure public safety," OC Shafiqul Islam remarked.

As the national election approaches, this incident highlights the volatile nature of local politics in Mymensingh. Electoral observers have called for increased security around campaign offices to ensure that candidates and their workers can operate without fear of targeted violence.