Post-election violence in Jhenaidah leaves at least 24 injured

At least 24 people were injured in five incidents of post-election violence in Jhenaidah between last night and noon today, police said.

Election camps, houses of supporters and a press club office were vandalised in attacks reported from Shailkupa, Jhenaidah Sadar, Maheshpur and Kaliganj upazilas, officials added.

The most serious clash took place around 9:00am in Shrirampur village under Tribeni union of Shailkupa upazila, where supporters of two local BNP leaders -- Madhu Molla and Tapan -- fought each other, leaving at least 13 people injured.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Humayun Kabir Molla of Shailkupa Police Station said police were deployed to the scene.

“A few people sustained minor injuries and were admitted to local hospitals. Leaders from both sides were called to the police station,” he told The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, OC Md Jellal Hossain of Kaliganj Police Station said two separate incidents occurred in the area. “Three people were injured in one incident and four others in another,” he said.

In Naldanga union under Jhenaidah Sadar upazila, rival supporters attacked homes and clashed in at least two locations, leaving several people injured.

OC Md Shamsul Arefin of Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station confirmed the matter. "The situation is currently calm,” he said.

Earlier last night, unidentified attackers vandalised the Maheshpur office of the Jhenaidah Press Club beside the Upazila Parishad Complex.

Confirming the incidents and adding that the injury toll could be over 24, Jhenaidah’s Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Sheikh Billal Hossain said police and the army visited the affected areas.

He also added that security forces currently remain vigilant, and if anyone attempts to create any untoward situation, strict measures will be taken.