Post-election violence was reported in Kathalia upazila of Jhalakathi on Friday night, where the local Jamaat-e-Islami office, homes of party activists, and several businesses were attacked and vandalized in the Patikhalghata area. A Jamaat activist filed a case on Saturday, naming Patikhalghata Union BNP General Secretary Md. Mizanur Rahman Kalam and 19 others as accused.
According to the complaint, attackers allegedly set fire to a haystack at the home of Jamaat supporter Harun Or Rashid and vandalized multiple houses, including that of his brother Kamal Jamaddar. During the incident, Kamal Jamaddar’s wife Ranu Begum (56) and daughter Sabina Begum (30) were injured. Additional homes belonging to party supporters and a union parishad member were also damaged.
Witness accounts and case details state that shops owned by Jamaat supporters, including a grocery store and a tea stall in Patikhalghata Bazar, were attacked, followed by vandalism and looting of the local Jamaat office. Jamaat members alleged that BNP leaders and activists led the violence.
Police confirmed that a case has been filed and that Chhatra Dal leader Jony Hawladar has been arrested. Authorities said efforts are underway to detain other accused individuals. Newly elected BNP MP Rafiqul Islam Jamal expressed concern over the incident in a video message and stated that legal action would be taken against those responsible, including possible expulsion from the party.
Source: Prothom Alo
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