Atpara (Netrokona) Correspondent  

Allegations of election code violations, intimidation, and political violence have surfaced in Kendua upazila of Netrokona ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Kendua Upazila Unit has submitted a written complaint to the returning officer, alleging breaches of electoral conduct by rival political actors.

According to the complaint, on January 10, a day-long election campaign was carried out under the banner of a prayer gathering for the late former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia at a field adjacent to Kalshati Government Primary School in Roailbari union. The event reportedly promoted BNP-nominated candidate for Netrokona-3 (Kendua–Atpara) constituency, Rafiqul Islam Hilali.

It is alleged that local residents were intimidated and compelled to join BNP by being garlanded publicly, creating fear and tension in the area. The complaint further claims that campaigners stated some of the participants were formerly Jamaat activists, which allegedly caused confusion among locals.

The complaint also mentions that on January 12, at around 7:00 pm, two Jamaat workers were allegedly taken from their shops and assaulted on the street before being brought to a local BNP office, where they were further beaten. Hearing their screams, local traders and residents intervened and rescued them. Among those who assisted were retired Air Force Sergeant Mahbubul Islam and businessman Alamgir Hossain.

Besides , Jamaat alleged that its supporters and activists in different villages of the upazila are receiving death threats from local BNP-affiliated groups, creating anxiety among voters and political workers.

The party has urged the returning officer to take immediate steps to ensure a level playing field and a free, fair, and peaceful election.

The complaint was signed by Md Saiful Islam, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Kendua upazila unit. Copies were also sent to the Netrokona superintendent of police, assistant returning officer in Kendua, Kendua army camp commander, and officer-in-charge of Kendua police station.

Sources said the administration has assured that necessary action will be taken following investigation.