At least 30 people were injured in a clash between leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP in Raichandbazar, Ramganj Union, Lalmohon Upazila, Bhola. The incident occurred around 8:00 pm on Friday. The injured are receiving treatment at Lalmohon Upazila Health Complex, Bhola District Hospital, and other local medical facilities.
Eyewitnesses said the clash erupted over comments suggesting that “voting for Jamaat guarantees entry to paradise,” which sparked arguments and a scuffle between supporters of both parties. Around an hour after sunset, participants from both sides threw bricks and stones on the under-construction Raichandbazar road.
Members of the Navy intervened to restore order, though one side reportedly attempted to attack a naval vehicle. Nine to ten people were admitted to Lalmohon Health Complex and Bhola Sadar Hospital, while others received treatment locally.
Jamaat-supported parliamentary candidate and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP) Secretary General Muha. Nizamul Haque held a press conference at the Lalmohon Upazila Jamaat office around 9:00 pm, demanding a proper investigation and justice. Jamaat leaders including Amir Abdul Haque and Secretary General Ruhul Amin were present.
Nizamul Haque stated that a meeting of Jamaat’s female workers was held in Raichandbazar, Ramganj Union. Around 11:00 am, after the meeting, a female leader was harassed and verbally abused by BNP activist Rubel while returning home. The woman’s husband, Jasim Uddin—a local businessman and Jamaat member—attempted to contact Rubel by phone, but was also verbally abused and later physically assaulted. In the afternoon, Upazila BNP president Jafar Iqbal visited the site and mediated between both parties. However, tensions escalated again later in the day.
Nizamul Haque alleged that while he and 30–40 supporters were heading to Jamaat’s office, over 200 BNP activists attacked them from behind, sparking the clash. Police and naval forces intervened with batons to restore calm. He claimed at least 15 Jamaat members were injured.
Upazila BNP president Jafar Iqbal said that Jamaat leaders had been spreading propaganda claiming that “voting for Jamaat leads to paradise,” which triggered initial arguments. He stated that he personally mediated between the parties to calm the situation, and that no violence occurred under his supervision. He denied allegations that BNP led the attack and said written complaints would be submitted to the Returning Officer and local police.
Lalmohon Upazila Officer-in-Charge (OC) Oliul Islam confirmed that a clash took place in Raichandbazar between Jamaat and BNP supporters following arguments over a women’s outreach program by Jamaat in the morning. He said, “The dispute over the claim that voting for Jamaat guarantees paradise escalated tensions. Both sides gathered supporters, and bricks used for road repair were thrown at each other.” Nine people were hospitalized at the Upazila Health Complex and Bhola Sadar Hospital. No formal complaints have yet been filed, and no arrests have been made.
