Tension spread in Lalmonirhat on Sunday night after supporters of an independent election candidate blocked the Burimari–Patgram highway, protesting an attack on his convoy that left him injured.
The incident occurred around 10:30 pm in the Jorapukur area of Hatibandha upazila, when Shihab Ahmed, an independent candidate for the Lalmonirhat-1 (Hatibandha–Patgram) seat, was returning from election campaigning. Witnesses said a group of miscreants suddenly attacked his convoy.
Shihab Ahmed and several of his supporters were injured in the attack, while his private vehicle was badly damaged.
Soon after the incident, hundreds of his supporters came out onto the streets and staged protests at different points along the Lalmonirhat–Burimari highway, bringing traffic to a halt. Many cargo trucks and passenger buses were left stranded, causing long traffic jams and trouble for commuters.
Police from Hatibandha police station rushed to the area to control the situation. Due to growing tension, additional police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members were deployed.
Speaking about the attack, Shihab Ahmed said they were returning peacefully after campaigning when the assault took place. He described it as a planned attack and said his vehicle was completely destroyed. He also expressed concern over safety, warning that continued instability could discourage voters from going to polling centres.
Hatibandha police station Officer-in-Charge Ramjan Ali said police immediately went to the spot and ensured the candidate’s safety. He added that protesters were asked to clear the road and that the situation is now under control. Legal action will be taken against those involved after investigation, he said.
-20260208153007.jpeg)
-(25)-20251122062715-20260203032300.jpeg)
