Staff Reporter:
At least 15 people were reportedly injured in a clash between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami activists in the capital’s Mirpur on Tuesday evening.
Another clash between the two political parties caused havoc in Cumilla’s Chauddagram on Monday. At least 10 BNP activists and five Jamaat activists were reportedly injured in the incident.
Meanwhile, a youth was lynched in Noakhali following a dispute at alocal BNP meeting.
According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 401 such incidents of political violence occurred across the country between January and December 2025. They caused 102 deaths and 4,744 injuries.
Dr Muhammad Sajjad Hossain Siddique, chairman of Peace and Conflict Studies Department at Dhaka University, said this violence could become a significant challenge for the Election Commission (EC).
“After the announcement of the polls schedule, the EC possess all the authority. They are responsible for any untoward incident that may arise during this time. The EC should remain vigilant as the election campaign would start soon.”
Criminologist Tawohidul Haque, also an associate professor at Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University, said, “We have all observed a certain degree of violence during election. While the government’s existing mechanisms are well-designed, they are not being effectively implemented. Besides, the lack of proper justice for high-profile murders has made criminals increasingly reckless.”
Over the past year and a half, police faced the most attacks yet they continued to exercise restraint, he further said, adding that the most effective solution would be for the government to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct.
“If the existing laws are applied impartially and correctly, it is possible to find a way out of this situation,” he said.
Jasmine Tuli, former additional secretary of the EC Secretariat and a member of Electoral Reform Commission, said the law and order situation was not appropriate even before the polls schedule announcement. “There seems to be a lingering gap or deficiency.”
Contacted, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, said, “We want everyone to respect the law. The upcoming general election will be free, fair and peaceful. Meanwhile, if you and I start fighting, what can the EC do?”
The EC would take action against any violence or unwanted incident, he added.
