Clashes broke out multiple times on Thursday between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists in Ishwardi, Pabna.

Over fifty activists from across the two sides, including Jamaat’s MP candidate for Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atghoria) constituency, Abu Taleb Mondal, were injured in the violence - although police put the number much lower, suggesting both sides reported exaggerated figures.

The incident occurred in Char Gorgori area of Sahapur Union in the afternoon. The names of the injured are yet to be confirmed, and they have been admitted to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex.

Locals said that Abu Taleb Mondal was heading from Rahimpur Bottola to Char Gorgori Alhaj Mor with a convoy of over 150 motorcycles when his procession met a BNP rally at Jogir Mor, triggering clashes between the two groups.

Mondal alleged, “We went there as part of our scheduled program, but BNP supporters led by Habibur Rahman Habib attacked us with weapons and even opened fire. Over 60-70 of our people were injured, some seriously, and a few were sent to Rajshahi Medical College. Around 15 motorcycles were burned and 30 were taken away.”

On the other hand, BNP candidate for Pabna-4, Habibur Rahman Habib, said, “Jamaat supporters attacked our activists. During self-defense, 15-20 of our people were injured. Jamaat is spreading false claims against me, and Mondal himself led the attack.”

Regarding the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Ishwardi Police Station, A.S.M. Abdun Nur, said, “There was a minor clash between the groups, and 4-5 people were injured from both sides. Nothing more to comment.”