At least 40 people were injured in a series of clashes between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists during election campaigning for Patuakhali-2 constituency in Bauphal of Patuakhali on Sunday, heightening tensions ahead of the polls.
The first confrontation took place around noon in Ward 2 of Chandradwip Union when supporters of the BNP and Jamaat exchanged slogans during separate campaign activities, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.
The situation quickly escalated into a chase and counter-chase, with both sides allegedly using locally made weapons.
Several injured were taken to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex, where 24 received treatment, while four were later referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.
A second clash broke out around 3:15pm in Bauphal municipality after Jamaat activists brought out a protest procession. BNP supporters reportedly confronted the march near the Upazila Health Complex, triggering further violence.
Following the incidents, Jamaat leaders and activists accused police of bias and staged a two-hour blockade outside Bauphal Police Station, also obstructing the Bauphal-Dhaka highway.
The situation came under control after Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saleh Ahmed, Patuakhali Assistant Superintendent of Police Arif Mohammad Shakur, and members of the army and Coast Guard intervened.
Police later announced that Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman would be withdrawn from election duties, after which the blockade was lifted.
Upazila Jamaat Amir Maulana Ishaq alleged that BNP activists launched an ambush during their campaign, leaving at least 20 of their supporters injured.
However, Upazila unit BNP acting convener Taslim Talukder denied the allegation, claiming Jamaat had orchestrated the violence for political gain.
UNO Saleh Ahmed said the situation is now under control, and law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take legal action against those responsible for the clashes.