Parties must show responsibility, restraint: interim govt

The interim government has expressed deep concern over the recent violence in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami activist.

Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, the Chief Advisor’s Office said in a statement on Thursday.

With the national election only two weeks away, the government called on all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters, reports bdnews24.com.

“Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process,” it said.

Police in Sherpur are investigating the clashes and the murder, and all perpetrators will be brought to justice, it said.

Security arrangements in the area have been strengthened, it added.

“All parties, leaders, and campaigners must play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means. The future of the nation depends on calm, discipline, and democratic conduct from all sides,” the statement said.

The interim government is committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election, it added.

Rezaual Karim, secretary of Jamaat’s Sreebordi Upazila unit, was injured in a confrontation triggered by a dispute over seating at a manifesto reading event in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati.

Mohammad Azharul Islam, Amir of Sreebordi Upazila Jamaat, said Rezaual died around 10 pm on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

“After the attack at the programme, he was taken to Mymensingh Medical in a critical condition,” he told bdnews24.com.

Sherpur Superintendent of Police Kamrul Islam said the Jamaat leader had suffered head injuries and was referred from Sherpur to Mymensingh for treatment.

“We have learnt that he has died,” the police officer said.

Rezaual was an Arabic lecturer at Fatehpur Fazil Madrasah.