Political criticism is a natural part of democracy. However, in recent times, such criticism has crossed the boundaries of decency and descended into vulgarity, said Atikul Islam, a Dhaka-based service holder. He made these remarks during a recent visit to a newspaper office, where he spoke on various contemporary issues. At one point in the discussion, he expressed deep concern over the country’s prevailing political situation. His words reflected clear frustration and sorrow.“What is happening around us is extremely disappointing. People have lost tolerance, and human values are gradually eroding,” he said.

Referring to a recent violent incident in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district, Atikul Islam stated that the situation never needed to escalate to such an extent. With a little patience and tolerance, a valuable life could perhaps have been saved.

Sharing similar concerns, college teacher Rahman Khan also voiced anxiety over the current political climate. He said the behavior and statements of candidates in several constituencies in Dhaka are highly indecent and lack basic etiquette. The derogatory and contemptuous language used by one candidate against another, he noted, is unacceptable to any civilized person, educated or otherwise. According to him, political courtesy appears to be on the verge of extinction. If such behavior continues, even minor incidents could lead to major violence in the future.

He further observed a growing tendency among candidates in several constituencies to spread slander against one another—something that ordinary voters never expect from political leaders.

Describing the Jhenaigati incident, Atikul Islam said that the local administration made sincere efforts to bring the situation under control. Officials were present at the scene and requested both parties to share the available chairs and remain seated peacefully. However, activists of one party occupied all the chairs beforehand and ignored the administration’s requests.

When supporters of another party later arrived, they were not allowed to sit. Instead, they were assaulted and forced to leave the area.

The administration made repeated attempts to defuse tensions and urged leaders of the concerned parties to remain calm. In an effort to avoid clashes, some leaders were even asked to leave the venue. Despite these efforts, the situation could not be brought under control.

At one stage, while supporters of one party were leaving the area after being attacked, they were chased from behind. They then returned to the scene armed with sticks and became involved in violent clashes. As a result, at least 25 activists from Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP were injured. Among them, four sustained critical injuries.

One local Jamaat leader later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. The remaining three, who are BNP leaders, are currently hospitalized, and their conditions have been reported as critical.

“If political leaders had shown tolerance and a sense of responsibility, such a tragic incident would never have occurred,” Atikul Islam said. He emphasized that political violence not only harms individuals or parties but destabilizes society as a whole.

For the sake of democracy and free and fair elections, he stressed, patience and tolerance among leaders and activists of all political parties are essential.

He further added that restoring political civility and human values has now become an urgent necessity to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Differences of opinion and political competition will always exist, but they must never lead to violence or loss of life. To build a peaceful, healthy, and democratic society, all concerned must act responsibly—this is what the general public expects from leaders of every political party.