In Jhenaigati Upazila, Sherpur, repeated clashes broke out between Jamaat and BNP leaders and activists over an election manifesto announcement event. As a result, Rezaul Karim, secretary of Sherpur Sreebardi Upazila Jamaat, died. He passed away around 9:45 PM on Wednesday (January 28).
The violence, which continued from afternoon to night, left over 200 people injured, including law enforcement personnel. During the clashes, a motorcycle was set on fire, and several journalists, including two reporters, were also hurt.
Eyewitnesses said the upazila administration organized the manifesto announcement at Jhenaigati Mini Stadium for the candidates of Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) constituency. Supporters of Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badal had already occupied seats in front of the stage. When supporters of BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel arrived, an argument over seating escalated into clashes.
Later in the evening, when the Jamaat candidate tried to move with his supporters from the stadium toward the market, law enforcement blocked them. Attempts to bypass the blockade led to a second, larger clash. Sporadic fighting continued from 6 PM to 8 PM until the army and police arrived to restore order.
The injured were admitted to Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex and Sherpur 250-bed District Hospital, with several seriously injured patients transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Rezaul Karim, critically wounded, died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital around 10 PM.
Following the incident, Sherpur district Jamaat issued a press release condemning the violence and demanded deployment of additional law enforcement and the arrest of those responsible. The organization later held a protest march from Maisahiba Mosque.
UNO and Assistant Returning Officer Md. Ashraful Islam Russel said the clashes started over chairs at the event, and the situation is now under control.
Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan stated that the army and police restored order after receiving reports of the clashes. No formal complaints have been filed yet, but legal action will be taken if written reports are submitted. Tension remained in the area as of the last reports.
