Rajshahi-5: Rebel Supporter Assaulted Amid Election Violence

In Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur constituency), political tensions escalated on Saturday when a supporter of a BNP ‘rebel’ candidate was brutally attacked. The victim, Ahsan Habib, was assaulted in Biraldah village, Puthia, and subsequently admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in a critical condition.

According to Ahsan Habib, he had been campaigning for Esfa Khairul Haque (popularly known as Shimul), the BNP candidate standing as a rebel against the official party nominee. Allegedly, supporters of the ruling party’s Dhanshish symbol targeted him due to his political allegiance. The assailants reportedly employed local weapons and iron rods to inflict injuries across his body.

Medical examinations revealed that Ahsan sustained fractures to two fingers on his right hand, alongside multiple contusions and abrasions across his torso. He recounted that the attack occurred around noon while he was shopping in the local market. Approximately 15–16 individuals, including Rashid from his village, armed themselves with sticks and iron rods, surrounding him and issuing threats. Ahsan described being told, “You voted for Shimul; today we will finish you off.” Rashid’s son, Rasel, allegedly struck him on the head with an iron rod.

The attackers included Azad (50), Shakil (35), Maruf (21), Laltu (19), Emon (22), and several others, who wielded sticks, hockey sticks, and iron rods to assault him. Ahsan attempted to flee to a nearby rice shop for safety but was caught and beaten further. Despite attempts by local residents to intervene, he could not be rescued and was eventually transported to the hospital.

Efforts to contact Rasel proved unsuccessful. Zulfikar Rahman, a close associate of victorious BNP candidate Nazrul Islam and former organisational secretary of the Rajshahi district Jubo Dal, condemned the violence, stating, “Nazrul Islam firmly opposes such acts of aggression. He advocates an inclusive society, and those responsible for disturbances have been sternly warned.”

Puthia police station’s Officer-in-Charge, Faridul Islam, confirmed, “I am aware of the incident; however, no formal complaint has been lodged at the station yet.”

Summary of Injuries and Assault Details

The incident highlights the intensifying political discord in the region, as election-related violence continues to pose a serious threat. Local residents and political leaders have called for vigilance to prevent any recurrence of such violent confrontations in the lead-up to the elections.