Violence Erupts at Sherpur Election Manifesto Event

A collaborative event intended to showcase democratic transparency descended into chaos on Wednesday when supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami clashed violently. The incident occurred at the Jhenaigati Upazila Mini Stadium in the Sherpur-3 constituency (comprising Sreebordi and Jhenaigati) just as candidates were preparing to present their election manifestos.

The confrontation, sparked by a seemingly minor dispute over seating arrangements in the front rows, left at least 30 people injured and resulted in the extensive destruction of property at the venue.

From Verbal Spat to Stadium-Wide Chaos

The event was organised by the local administration to provide a neutral platform for all contesting candidates to share their visions with the electorate. According to witnesses, tension began to simmer as the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Returning Officer, Ashraful Alam Russel, took his seat on the dais alongside the candidates.

A heated argument regarding which party's activists were entitled to the front-row seats quickly escalated into a full-scale riot. Proponents from both sides engaged in chase and counter-chase manoeuvres across the stadium grounds. In the ensuing melee, hundreds of plastic chairs were smashed, and several motorcycles parked near the entrance were vandalised.

Mutual Recriminations and Administrative Response

Following the abandonment of the event, both political entities took to social media to trade accusations. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal alleged that BNP supporters carried out a "premeditated attack," claiming that 15 of his activists required hospitalisation. Conversely, BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel countered via his Facebook page, asserting that Jamaat intentionally incited the disorder to sabotage the presentation.

The injured were rushed to the Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex and Sherpur District Sadar Hospital for treatment. Order was only restored after the Bangladesh Army and local police units conducted a joint operation to disperse the crowds.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance), Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, confirmed that while the situation is now stable, no formal cases have been filed. "We are awaiting formal complaints before initiating legal proceedings," he stated. UNO Ashraful Alam expressed his disappointment, noting that the "unfortunate situation" has been reported to higher electoral authorities for further review.