Death sparks protest while 65 hurt in poll-related violence
Demanding arrest and punishment to the perpetrators, people of Shahpara union of Gaibandha Sadar upazila yesterday bring out a procession in Gaibandha town with the coffin of Tajul Islam, who died on Sunday following injuries in a post UP-poll violence at Chalkchalka village on Friday.Photo: STAR
Death of a man following Saturday's post-UP poll violence in Shahpara Union of Gaibandha Sadar upazila sparked protest yesterday while poll-related clashes left at least 65 people in Narail, Netrakona and Dinajpur districts the same day and on Sunday night. Our Gaibandha correspondent reported that several thousand people from Shahpara Union, carrying coffin of the victim, Tajul Islam, brought out a procession in the district town yesterday demanding immediate arrest and punishment of the persons responsible for his death. The processionists paraded the main roads in the town and then submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner. At least 10 people, including Tajul Islam, were injured during a clash between the supporters of elected member Shahidul Haque and defeated member candidate Mominul Haq at Chalkchalka village in the union on Saturday. Tajul and five other injured were admitted to Rangpur Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries early Sunday. Prior to bringing out the procession, the agitating people of Shahpara Union gathered in front of Gaibandha Press Club where Tajul's family members demanded exemplary punishment to the killers. Mahbubur Rahman Tulu, chairman-elect of Shahpara Union Parishad, also expressed solidarity with the agitation. Gaibandha Sadar Upazila Parishad Chairman Abdur Rashid also demanded arrest and punishment of the killers. In Narail, at least 35 people were injured as police charged batons to disperse the supporters of a defeated chairman candidate who attacked election officials at Dumuria on their way to the upazila headquarters at around 8:00pm, reports our correspondent. Witnesses said the supporters of defeated chairman candidate Abdul Wahab of Boisona Union Parishad intercepted the election officials, who were returning to the upazila headquaters with ballot boxes from Nolamara Government Primary School centre, and vandalised at least three vehicles demanding a recount. Police charged batons, leaving at least 35 people injured. They also fired blank shots to disperse Wahab's supporters, witnessed added. Of the injured, four were admitted to Khulna Medical College and Hospital while the rest to Gopalgonj Sadar Hospital and different clinics. According to our Netrakona correspondent, post-poll clashes left at least 20 people injured in Kharnai and Koilati unions under Kalmakanda upazila yesterday. The supporters of two defeated chairman candidates--Abdul Hannan and Kancha Miaclashed at Koilati village in the morning, leaving at least 15 people from both sides injured. Of the injured, Sohel Mia, Raju Mia, Chandu Fakir, Milon and Helena were admitted to Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital while the rest to local health complex. At Gobindapur village under Kharnai Union, at least five people, including Tofazzal Hossen, president of Kharnai union BNP, were injured in a clash between the supporters of defeated chairman candidates Akkas Ali and Chand Mia Dewan at around 12:30pm. The clash ensued following an altercation between the supporters of the chairman candidate. The injure are undergoing treatment at Kalmakanda Upazila Health Complex. Our Dinajpur correspondent adds: The supporters of a two UP member candidates went on the rampage protesting delay in announcing the election results of two centres in Parbatipur upazila on Sunday night. The also damaged at least three vehicles including a jeep of a magistrate. Police charged batons, leaving at least 30 people injured. They also fired blank shots and tear gas cells to bring the situation under control. Police arrested two people on the spot. They are Afzal Hossain, 55, son of Ramzan Ali of Gulshan Nagar village, and Tazrian Babu, 24, son of late Abdus Samad of Sarkarpara village. Later, the mobile court led by Abu Saleh Md Musa sentenced them to six months imprisonment.
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