Just 72 Hours Before Bangladesh Polls, BNP-Jamaat Clashes Leave 40 Injured

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 10:07 IST

The incident comes days before polling on February 12 and hours before campaigning ends on February 10 at 7.30 am.

With just three days left before Bangladesh votes in a high-stakes general election, fresh violence has broken out, highlighting tensions in the campaign. More than 40 people, including women, were injured late last night in clashes between workers of the Bangladesh ist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.

The incident comes days before polling on February 12 and hours before campaigning ends on February 10 at 7.30 am.

What triggered the violence

The violence began after BNP workers accused Jamaat-e-Islami of distributing cash at a late-night programme. BNP activists went to the venue to protest, after which Jamaat mobilised its own supporters.

A fierce confrontation followed and continued into the night, leaving over 40 injured. This is being described as the most violent episode of the ongoing campaign between the two rival camps.

Over the past six weeks, more than five people have been injured in election-related incidents across Bangladesh, signalling a steady rise in tensions as polling day nears.

Much-awaited Bangladesh poll 

The February 12 general election is widely seen as a direct contest between the BNP and a Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition. More than 127 million voters are eligible to vote in what analysts call the most consequential election since 2009.

The vote follows the August 2024 mass uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule and led to the banning of the Awami League from contesting. Many voters say this will be the first genuinely competitive election in over a decade.

BNP chief Tarique Rahman told Reuters his party, contesting 292 of the 300 seats, is confident of winning enough to form a government.

Interim government’s assurance

Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described the election and the referendum on reforms as a “grand festival", promising the most free, fair and peaceful vote in the country’s history and a foundation for a “new Bangladesh".

However, analysts warn that continued violence could weaken public confidence in the process.

The poll outcome is expected to influence Bangladesh’s economic recovery after months of unrest that disrupted key sectors such as garments and pushed the country to seek external funding from the IMF and World Bank.

It may also affect regional geopolitics. China’s influence has grown since Hasina, seen as close to India, fled to New Delhi. Some view the BNP as relatively closer to India, while a Jamaat-led government could tilt towards Pakistan. Jamaat has said it is not inclined towards any country.

Parvez Karim Abbasi of Dhaka’s Centre for Governance Studies said opinion polls show the BNP with an edge, but many voters remain undecided. “How Generation Z votes will carry considerable weight," he said.

Voters hope to reclaim voice amid violence

For many first-time voters, the election offers a chance to regain political space.

“People couldn’t even vote during national elections. People had no voice," Mohammad Rakib, 21, told Reuters. “I hope the next government, whoever comes into power, will ensure this freedom of expression."

Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary polls will be held on February 12, 2026. Campaigning began on January 22. Results are expected on February 13.

News world Just 72 Hours Before Bangladesh Polls, BNP-Jamaat Clashes Leave 40 Injured

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