UP Election
Supporters of rival candidates clash: 60 hurt
At least 60 people were injured as supporters of two chairman candidates in the upcoming election to Chhoto Baishdia Union Parishad (UP) under Galachipa upazila clashed yesterday.
The chairman candidates are ABM Mannan Howlader, also the president of Awami League Chhoto Baishdia Union unit, and Licon Talukder.
Locals and police sources said Mannan Howlader along with his supporters went to his rival candidate Likon Talukder's Kawkhali village at noon to seek votes from the villagers.
During campaign, Manna's supporter Sohel, also a local BCL leader, exchanged heated words with Mokhles Mia, one of the supporters of Likhon Talukder, over election issue and assaulted him.
Licon Talukder was busy with electioneering in another area of the union. Hearing the news, he returned to his village and tried to pacify his supporters and the opponents. But Mannan's men, at one stage, swooped on Licon's supporters with sharp weapons and sticks, leading to a fierce clash between the two rival groups.
At least 60 people from both sides were injured during the clash that continued for an hour.
Manna's men also ransacked 14 houses and three shops of Licon's supporters at the village. Being informed, police rushed to the spot, dispersed the clashing groups and brought the situation under control at around 2:00pm.
They also arrested four people--Atahar Ali, 40, Helal, 35, Siraj, 30 and Abu Naeem, 25--on the spot.
A tense situation was prevailing in the area as of filing of this report at 5:00pm yesterday. Police have been deployed at Licon's house.
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