One killed, 30 hurt in post-polls violence

A youth was killed and at least 20 others were injured during a post-polls clash between the supporters of the elected union parishad (UP) member and the defeated candidate in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj district Friday evening.

The deceased was identified as Faruq Miah, 30, son of Alfu Miah of Khoroki village under the upazila. Dr Golam Mohiuddin, duty doctor of Habiganj Sadar Hospital said Faruq succumbed to his injuries at midnight.

Of the injured, five were admitted to Habiganj Sadar Hospital, seven to Madhabpur Upazila Health Complex and two to a private clinic, while the rest were given first aid at the heath complex.

Locals said the clash erupted at Khoroki village at around 5:30pm when a victory procession of newly elected UP member Monai Miah of Jagadishpur Union Parishad came under attack by the supporters of defeated member candidate Abdul Hai.

Both sides were equipped with sticks and other weapons and the clash gradually spread over the entire village and the adjacent areas.

Law enforcers from Madhabpur Police Station rushed to the spot and struggled for an hour to bring the situation under control. They fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse the feuding parties.