Seven injured as Jamaat campaign comes under ‘attack’ in Noakhali-3

At least seven people have been injured during an alleged attack on a door-to-door campaign event for Jamaat-e-Islami-backed candidate Borhan Uddin in Noakhali’s Begumganj. Rival activists traded blame over the incident.

The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon in Aleyapur Union, where activists of the “weighing scale” symbol were carrying out canvassing in Ward No. 6 at Kazi Bari, according to police and Jamaat leaders.

A complaint has since been lodged, Begumganj Police Station chief Shamsuzzaman said.

Borhan, the 11-party alliance candidate for Noakhali-3 and district Jamaat secretary, alleged that his supporters were attacked by BNP-linked activists armed with sticks and locally made weapons.

Those injured were identified as Zahid, 19, Hridoy, 27, Anik, 19, Apurba, 19, Saif, 18, Nazrul Islam Sagar and Md Habib Ullah.

Among them, Zahid was shifted to the National Institute of Neurosciences in Dhaka for advanced treatment, while the others received care at local clinics.

The BNP, however, dismissed the allegation.

Upazila BNP Convenor Kamakkha Chondro Das said the Jamaat activists “provoked” locals under the guise of campaigning, prompting residents to chase them away.

He claimed some people suffered minor injuries after falling or hitting trees while running.

Police said they had received reports of scuffles and chases between supporters of the “weighing scale” and “sheaf of paddy” symbols.

Jamaat’s complaint is being examined and legal action will follow after investigation, officer Shamsuzzaman said.