Rajshahi’s lone female candidate slapped in public by BNP man on election day

Independent candidate Habiba Begum in Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituency—the only female candidate in the district—was shamelessly slapped and thrown to the ground in front of the polling station on the day of the election.

This cowardly attack took place in front of the Nolkhola Government Primary School in Pobar at around 3pm on Thursday. Locals condemned the assault, saying this brave woman with the football symbol campaigned on foot with a two-year-old child in her lap.

The video clearly shows Habiba Begum talking to ordinary voters, asking for votes. Suddenly, a coward came and slapped her hard. She fell down. As soon as he stood up, he was slapped again! Then his people rushed to his rescue. Another person pulled the attacker away—as if no crime had been committed!

Who Is Rajab Ali?

Locals have directly identified Rajab Ali, the former BNP president of Ward No. 1 of Harian Union in Paba Upazila, as responsible for this dirty act. Did this man want to prove his masculinity by beating up a female candidate? Isn’t he ashamed?

After the attack, Habiba Begum was sitting on a chair, with a baby in her lap. She said that she was just exchanging greetings and asking for votes because she couldn’t come to the campaign earlier. But Rajab Ali interrupted after the argument and slapped her! She was admitted to the hospital at 4pm.

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Habiba’s chief election representative, Akbar Hossain, has clearly said that raising hands on a female candidate is unacceptable. The presiding officer is avoiding responsibility.

When contacted over the phone, Rajab Ali said: “I didn’t know the candidate. It’s not the day to seek votes. She abused me, so I slapped her.”

Officer-in-Charge Suman Quaderi said: “I heard there was an argument. I don’t know about the beating. I didn’t get a complaint.”

Local people and netizens have condemned the police for turning a blind eye to the video going viral on social media, and the matter was reported in mainstream media. Thursday’s election saw as few as 4% women candidates, with some parties like Jamaat-e-Islami not fielding a single woman candidate, drawing severe criticism.