Bangladesh Urges Calm After Jamaat Leader’s Killing, Fears Rise Ahead of Polls

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed deep concern over a recent outbreak of violence in Sherpur, where a political activist linked to Jamaat-e-Islami was killed. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Adviser’s press wing said that any loss of life due to political violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable.

With national elections just two weeks away, the government has urged all political parties—including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami—to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. The statement emphasized that violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process.

Authorities confirmed that Sherpur police have launched an investigation into the clashes and the killing. The government assured that all those responsible will be brought to justice, while security has been tightened across the district to prevent further unrest.

Appeal for Peaceful Political Conduct

The interim government called on all political parties, leaders, and campaigners to maintain peace, respect the rule of law, and engage voters through peaceful and constructive means. It stressed that the future of the nation depends on peace, discipline, and democratic conduct from all sides.

The statement reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, free, and fair elections.

Minority Groups Demand Safe Voting Environment

Ahead of the polls, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council issued a separate statement urging the Election Commission to create a fair and positive electoral environment. The council demanded measures to ensure that religious and ethnic minority voters can reach polling stations without fear or obstruction.

It also called for:

• A ban on the use of religion and communal rhetoric in election campaigns

• Prohibition of religious places being used for political प्रचार

• Strict punishment for hate speech, inflammatory statements, and the spread of false rumors

Election Commission on High Alert

As election day approaches, the Bangladesh Election Commission said protecting minority voting rights and ensuring peaceful polls is its constitutional responsibility.

Senior Assistant Secretary Matiur Rahman said intelligence agencies have already identified potential vulnerabilities in sensitive areas.

“Our intelligence agencies have gathered advance information about possible risks,” Rahman said. “Preventive measures are in place to ensure that no one can disrupt the electoral process or harm the voting rights of any group, including minorities. All agencies are performing their duties as directed. I can confidently say that no one will be able to interfere with voting.”

As tensions rise ahead of the crucial polls, the killing in Sherpur has heightened concerns over election-related violence—making the government’s call for calm and unity more urgent than ever.