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No case has yet been filed over the death of Rezaual Karim, the Sreebordi Upazila secretary for Jamaat-e-Islami, who was killed following a clash between rival political groups during an election programme in Sherpur.
The situation remains tense in the Jhenaigati and Sreebordi Upazilas of the Sherpur-3 constituency, police and local residents said on Thursday.
Violence erupted around 3:00 pm on Wednesday at the Jhenaigati Upazila Mini Stadium during an “election manifesto reading ceremony” organised ahead of the election.
According to witnesses and officials, leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat initially became embroiled in a heated argument over seating arrangements. The dispute over chairs quickly escalated into a full-scale clash.
At least 30 people from both sides were injured in the confrontation and were taken to various hospitals in the district, bdnews24.com reports.
The programme had been arranged by the Jhenaigati Upazila administration.
Rezaual, who sustained injuries during the violence, was later transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.
His body is currently being kept at the hospital morgue.
Amir Mohammad Azharul Islam, a Jamaat leader in Sreebordi, said the party would decide on funeral arrangements after holding an internal meeting.
Two of the injured remain under treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, while 18 others are admitted to Sherpur District Sadar Hospital. The remaining injured received treatment at different local facilities.
Since the incident, tension has gripped the two Upazilas.
On Wednesday night, Jamaat activists brought out a protest procession in Sherpur town. The march moved through the main streets before ending at the gate of the deputy commissioner’s office.
Addressing the gathering, Sherpur Jamaat Amir Hafizur Rahman alleged that the attack was carried out under the orders of BNP Sherpur-3 candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel.
Rubel did not respond to a call for comment.
Local residents Harunur Rashid and Touhidur Rahman said the atmosphere is strained since the clash.
Meanwhile, injured BNP and Jamaat leaders receiving treatment at Sherpur District Sadar Hospital blamed each other for the violence and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Sherpur Superintendent of Police Md Kamrul Islam said no case had been filed so far.
“If a case is lodged, legal action will be taken accordingly,” he said.