Bangladesh’s path to the February 12 elections is marred by bloodshed, exemplified by a ruthless shooting at a rally truck in Teknaf sub-district’s Ali Khali Rohingya camp. Five people, including a child, sustained injuries from unknown gunmen’s fire around 8:30 PM Thursday in Camp-25, Block A/04, as verified by Teknaf police to outlets like Dhaka Tribune.
Eyewitnesses recounted a lively campaign scene turning to panic as shots rang out, hitting two Rohingya and three Bangladeshis. This attack fits into a broader wave of pre-election unrest documented meticulously by human rights monitors.
Ain o Salish Kendra notes a dramatic uptick: 75 violent incidents in January caused 616 injuries and 11 deaths, contrasting sharply with December’s 18 cases (268 hurt, 4 dead). The trend accelerated after January 22 campaigning began, with 49 clashes in the last 10 days of the month killing 4 and injuring 414.
Journalists bore the brunt increasingly, facing 16 attacks versus 11 previously. ASK calls for urgent de-escalation by parties, stronger policing, and protection of democratic freedoms amid this volatile buildup.
In Cox’s Bazar’s fragile refugee zones, the incident amplifies concerns over security lapses that could spiral into larger conflicts, testing Bangladesh’s resolve to hold peaceful polls.