Jamaat leader killed in clash with BNP at election event in Sherpur

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader was killed and dozens injured in a violent clash between Jamaat and BNP supporters during an election manifesto event in Sherpur on Wednesday.

The deceased, Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Sribardi Upazila unit Jamaat-e-Islami, died while being taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) for advanced treatment. He was a lecturer of Arabic at Fatehpur Fazil Madrasa.

Four other injured individuals from the clash were admitted to Ward 7 of MMC Hospital around 11:15pm on Wednesday, January 28.

The information was confirmed to Jago News by Md. Nazrul Islam, in-charge of the hospital’s police camp.

He said Maulana Rezaul Karim and four others were brought to the hospital at night following the violence at the Jhenaigati Upazila Parishad ground.

Doctors declared Karim dead upon arrival, while the other injured individuals are receiving treatment. Hospital authorities reported that all the admitted patients are supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Rezaul Karim’s body has been sent to the hospital morgue. He reportedly breathed his last on the way to the hospital.

Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan confirmed that one person died in the clash and said the situation is currently calm, although there were reports of multiple injuries.

The clash erupted during an election manifesto programme organised by the Jhenaigati Upazila administration ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions flared between supporters of BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel and Jamaat-nominated candidate Nuruzzaman Badal over seating arrangements at the event.

The dispute quickly escalated into chases and counter-chases, leaving more than 50 activists and supporters from both sides injured. Two journalists covering the program were also hurt, and a motorcycle they were using was vandalised.

Maulana Rezaul Karim was rescued in critical condition and initially treated at the Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex, then transferred to Sherpur General Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was referred to MMCH, but died en route.

Following the violence, members of the army, BGB, police and Ansar were deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further unrest.