Violence and Disruption Ahead of Bangladesh’s Upcoming Election

In recent days, Bangladesh has seen an increase in violence related to election activities. Supporters of different political parties have clashed in several areas, causing injuries and damage. The police and authorities are trying to manage the situation, but violence remains a concern as elections approach. Key highlights of the recent events include violence in multiple regions. Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, and Jamaat-e-Islami have been involved in various confrontations. These clashes have resulted in at least 26 people being injured across the country. In Kushtia, a town in Bangladesh, supporters of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami fought each other. The fight left at least 11 people injured. During this time, the violence was intense, and authorities worked to control the situation. In Teknaf, gunfire erupted during a BNP campaign event. This incident injured five people, including children. The gunfire caused fear among local residents and disrupted the campaign activities. Another serious incident occurred in Rajshahi. Here, a man and his son, who were supporters of Jamaat, were critically injured. The attack was reportedly carried out by a BNP leader and his associates. Vandalism has also been reported in some areas. In Jhenaidah, two election offices belonging to an independent candidate named Saiful Islam Firoz were damaged. In Gazipur, offices of BNP and Jamaat supporters were vandalized after tensions during a political rally. The situation has caused considerable concern among local communities and election officials. The Shop Owners’ Association announced that all shops, commercial centers, and shopping malls across Bangladesh will remain closed on February 11 and 12. This decision was made to protect shops and avoid further violence before the national polls. Looking at the bigger picture, reports show that between December 12, 2025, and February 1, 2026, the country experienced 274 incidents of election-related violence. These incidents include five killings and 15 attacks on election candidates. The violence has been widespread, affecting many parts of Bangladesh. Prior to this period, from August 2024 to December 2025, violence related to politics caused the deaths of at least 158 political activists in over 600 incidents. The ongoing violence has raised serious worries about the safety of individuals involved in political activities. Transparency International Bangladesh, or TIB, has expressed concern about the violence. They warned that if mob violence is not controlled, it could negatively impact the upcoming election scheduled for February 12, 2026. Despite the violence, there has been no official confirmation regarding the involvement of the interim government in these recent incidents. Similarly, authorities have not confirmed the number of injuries caused by protests or other election-related violence in various regions, including the capital city. The government and election officials continue to monitor the situation closely. However, the violence and unrest highlight the need for effective measures to ensure safety and security during the election period. As the country moves closer to the polls, maintaining peace remains an important challenge. In summary, Bangladesh faces significant challenges ahead of its elections. Continued violence and unrest threaten to affect the electoral process. Authorities and communities are working to prevent further incidents, but the situation remains tense. The coming days will be critical in determining how smoothly the elections can be held and whether peace can be maintained nationwide.