Independent candidate Habiba Begum, the only female contender in Rajshahi-3 (Paba–Mohanpur), was reportedly assaulted during voting on February 12 and later hospitalized, according to her election team. A written complaint has been submitted to the Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner after police allegedly declined to register the case.
Habiba Begum, a former vice-chairman of Mohanpur Upazila Parishad who contested with the football symbol, was attacked about 100 yards from the Nalkhola Government Primary School polling center around 3:00 PM. Her chief election agent, Md. Akbar Hossain, alleged the assault was pre-planned and carried out by local political figures and supporters, leaving the candidate seriously injured.
Video footage of the incident shows former Haryan Union BNP president Rajab Ali slapping Habiba Begum during an argument, causing her to fall to the ground before striking her again as she tried to stand. People accompanying the candidate intervened and removed the attacker from the scene.
Rajab Ali acknowledged the assault, claiming he was angered because he believed she was campaigning on election day and did not initially realize she was a candidate. Police said the complaint was not received because the officer-in-charge was on election duty at the time. The Returning Officer stated that Habiba Begum may seek legal remedy through a Judicial Magistrate, where a summary trial could be initiated.
Source: Jugantor
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