Five people, including journalist Sharif Uddin Peshowar, have been injured in a clash between supporters of Awami League and an independent candidate, during the Ajmiriganj Upazila Parishad (UP) by-polls.
The incident occurred around 10am, Wednesday, at the Anandapur voting centre.
A team of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members arrived on the spot to bring the situation under control. Anandapur voting centre Presiding Officer Borhan Uddin confirmed the incident.
The Awami League candidate for the election is upazila unit Awami League President Misbah Bhuiyan, while Advocate Saidul Amin Shirul is representing BNP. Alauddin, son of deceased former UP chairman Md Atar Ali Miya, is running as an independent candidate.
The election has otherwise been peaceful, with polls being conducted at 44 polling centres. Voting will continue till 4pm.
A total of 77,970 people will be voting at these polling centres; with 39,084 male, and 38,886 female, voters.
Security for this election has been extremely tight, with teams of RAB, BGB, police, and Ansar present at every polling station.
Additionally, three mobile courts led by magistrates are on duty.
On April 30, Ajmiriganj UP chairman Md Atar Ali Miya passed away. Then, on May 19, the Local Government Division sent a letter to the Election Commission (EC) stating that the post was vacant. The EC stated that the by-polls would be held on July 25.