by Hafizur Rahman
At least five people, including three children and two Rohingya refugees, were injured by gunfire during an election campaign of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on the night of February 6, 2026, police said.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 8:00 pm on a road adjacent to a Rohingya camp in the Aliakhali area under Hnila union. The victims were hit by pellets, which limited the severity of their injuries.
Teknaf Police Station Officer in Charge Saiful Islam said a BNP campaign vehicle had been passing through the area while playing loud music and displaying the party’s sheaf of paddy election symbol.
“Three to four minutes after the vehicle left the area, gunshots were fired,” he said.
Suspect Identified
Police said initial findings suggest that a local man, identified as Jalal, opened fire while intoxicated. Authorities believe he fired multiple rounds. An operation is underway to arrest him.
The injured were identified as Bacha Mia, 45, Shahab Uddin, 11, Nusrat Jannat Rafi, 18 months, Abdur Rahman, 37, and Mohammad Jisan, 13. Police said two of the injured are Rohingya refugees living in Camp 25.
Witnesses said the shooting happened suddenly, triggering panic among people gathered along the roadside.
Victims Taken to Hospital
All five injured were taken to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital for treatment on the night of the incident. Hospital sources later said two of the victims were in critical condition and were referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced care.
Bacha Mia, who was shot in the hand, said he was working on wedding decorations near a house in Aliakhali when the gunfire began.
“At first, I thought it was the sound of firecrackers. Later, I realised I had been shot,” he said.
Abdur Rahman, who was injured in his left leg, said he collapsed near a roadside shop after hearing gunshots following evening prayers.
Nusrat Jannat Rafi’s mother said her infant daughter was shot in the back while standing at the doorway of their house. Relatives said Shahab Uddin was shot in the waist.
Police said the situation is now under control and that further investigation is ongoing.
Residents said the incident has heightened concerns over safety near the camps, where Rohingya refugees already live in a fragile security environment.
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