Rezual Karim, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sreebardi upazila unit in Sherpur, was brutally killed after being beaten with bricks, according to district Jamaat amir Hafizur Rahman.

Speaking on Thursday, Hafizur Rahman said a case would be filed soon and demanded justice for the killing. He alleged that the murder was premeditated and blamed BNP activists for the attack. Warning of strong protests, he said Jamaat-e-Islami would launch tough movements if those responsible were not arrested and brought to justice within 24 hours, adding that the authorities would be held accountable if the situation deteriorated.

Rezual Karim was injured during clashes at an election manifesto-reading event organized by the assistant returning officer in Jhinaigati on Wednesday. He was first treated at Jhinaigati Upazila Health Complex and later shifted to Sherpur Sadar Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was being taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment when he died around 9:30 p.m.

A doctor at Sherpur Sadar Hospital, Upal Hasan, said further details would be known after the post-mortem report.

The deceased, Maulana Rezual Karim, was an Arabic lecturer at Fatehpur Fazil Madrasa and also served as an imam at a local mosque.

According to local sources and the upazila administration, the clash broke out during a program arranged by the Jhinaigati administration where rival candidates gathered to read their election manifestos. Tensions arose over seating arrangements in the front rows after the event began, leading to an argument between BNP and Jamaat supporters that soon escalated into violence.

Witnesses said the situation quickly spiraled out of control, triggering chases between the two sides. Hundreds of chairs near the stage and several motorcycles were vandalized, and more than fifty activists from both parties were injured. Later in the evening, fresh clashes erupted in Jhinaigati town, leaving more people wounded. Jamaat leaders alleged that during this second round of violence, Rezual Karim was caught and fatally struck on the head with bricks by BNP activists.

Abdul Mannan, secretary of Jamaat’s Gajiripa union unit in Sreebardi, said BNP supporters chased them and seized Rezual Karim before beating him severely with bricks.

Jamaat candidate for Sherpur-3 constituency, Nuruzzaman Badal, expressed concern over whether a level playing field could be ensured in the election following the incident. He also questioned the conduct of the assistant returning officer and alleged the attack was deliberate, calling for a proper investigation and swift arrests.

On Thursday morning, villagers were seen preparing Rezual Karim’s grave at his home village of Chaulia in Gajiripa union. The area remained gripped by grief as residents gathered to await his body. Local resident Azizur Rahman described Rezual Karim as a respected and popular figure in the community, saying the entire village was stunned by his death and demanding justice.