At least 24 people were injured in a clash between supporters of two chairman candidates ahead of the upcoming Suapur Union Parishad (UP) election in Dhaka's Dhamrai upazila.
The clash took place on Saturday among supporters of the incumbent Chairman Kafil Uddin and independent candidate Sohrab Hossain. Sohrab was also injured during the clash.
The injured are currently undergoing treatment at Enam Medical College in Savar.
One of the injured Sakim Uddin, a supporter of Sohrab, said they were campaigning when the incident took place Saturday morning. “After leaving the union parishad office, the supporters of the boat nominated chairman candidate Kafil Uddin attacked us at the Suapur union bridge area.”
“They later vandalized our vehicle and attacked us with blunt weapons,” he added.
However, Kafil’s Hannan claimed Sohrab’s men attacked them first.
“Three of our supporters are in critical condition. They also cut off the finger of my brother Halim’s hand,” he alleged.
In this regard, Dhamrai Upazila Election Officer Ayesha Akhter said: “We are aware of the incident. However, we have not received any complaints yet.”
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Dhamrai police station Inspector (Investigation) Nirmal Kumar said about 10 to 12 activists and supporters of both sides were injured in this incident.
Legal action will be taken if any complaint is received, the inspector added.