Ishwardi, Dec 02 (V7N) – Jamaat-e-Islami–endorsed MP candidate and district Jamaat Ameer Abu Taleb Mondol, along with 32 leaders and activists, received bail on Monday in a case filed by BNP over last Thursday’s violent confrontation between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Ishwardi.

The group appeared before Pabna Amli Court-2 at midday, where Senior Judicial Magistrate Md Tariqul Islam granted their bail upon hearing the petition. Advocate Sultan Mahmud Khan Ehya, General Secretary of the Pabna Lawyers’ Association and counsel for Jamaat, confirmed the development.

He said that two counter-cases were filed on Saturday, 29 November, following the clash on 27 November. One of the cases, filed by BNP, named 32 Jamaat leaders including district Ameer Abu Taleb Mondol. “All accused surrendered before the court today and sought bail, which the judge granted,” he added.

After securing bail, Abu Taleb Mondol told reporters that the case was politically motivated and intended to disrupt the election atmosphere. “Our legal team has revealed the truth and convinced the court. This case was filed to harass an MP candidate and our workers ahead of the election. Many vehicles were vandalized and shots were fired. Several of our supporters were injured. Even the complainant filed a case against me, but we did not file any case against him personally. We demand the immediate withdrawal of this false case,” he said.

According to police and local witnesses, the clash erupted at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday in Char Gargari village when members of both parties confronted each other during a campaign event of the Jamaat-backed candidate. At least 50 supporters from both sides were injured, while more than 50 motorcycles were vandalized or set on fire. The area has remained tense since the incident, prompting increased police patrols.

Following the violence, the first case was filed at Ishwardi Police Station by Badhan Hasan Alim, son of Sahapur Union Krishak Dal convener Mokkhel Mridha and general secretary of the local Swechchhasebak Dal. He named 32 Jamaat leaders as accused and included an additional 150 to 200 unidentified individuals. The primary accused in the case is Abu Taleb Mondol, Jamaat’s district chief and the Jamaat-nominated candidate for Pabna-4 constituency.

In response, Jamaat filed a counter-case the same day. Ishwardi Upazila Jamaat Secretary Saidul Islam lodged a case naming 38 BNP leaders and activists, with 100 to 150 unidentified accused. Most of them are reported to be relatives or supporters of Habibur Rahman Habib, BNP’s district convener and the party’s nominated candidate for Pabna-4.

Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely as tensions remain high in the area amid ongoing election activities.

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