The activists of Awami League candidate for Gopalganj-1 Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan have been accused of attacking the supporters of independent candidate Md Kabir Mia.
The incident took place in front of the Awami League office in Muksudpur upazila on Wednesday afternoon.
Three activists of the independent candidate were hurt in the incident. They are Nur Alam Sheikh, Muhid and Rabbi Sheikh.
Among them, Nur Alam Sheikh was allegedly beaten with a hammer. He was first admitted to Muksudpur Upazila Health Complex for treatment. He is now receiving treatment at home.
He said Muksudpur upazila unit Awami League President Md Rabiul Alam Sikder was holding an election meeting at the Awami League office on Wednesday.
“I was returning home from Tekerhat in Madaripur upazila on a motorcycle. When I reached the Nowhata Bazar area, they (Awami League men) closed the road. I was punched, kicked, and slapped as I was dragged off the motorcycle. I recognize Bablu Sheikh and Layek Sheikh. Later, 20-25 people attacked me and I became unconscious. After some time, they beat me with a hammer.”
When contacted, Saidur Rahman Tutul, general secretary of the upazila unit Awami League, denied the accusations and said the clash did not take place directly with the activists of the independent candidate. “The incident took place after an altercation over a car and motorcycle crossing the road.”
The president of the upazila unit Awami League, Rabiul Alam Sikder, could not be reached for comment.
Regarding the clash, independent candidate Md Kabir Mia said: "The people of Boat symbol attacked my workers on Wednesday. On whose orders was the attack carried out? My supporters have been attacked before as well.”
He claimed that the attackers were led by Saidur Rahman Tutul, general secretary of the upazila unit Awami League, his son Faiz, Chairman of Mochana union Imdad Mollah, and Alim.
“Their workers are obstructing my campaign and tearing down my posters. I have complained to the returning officer about this,” the independent candidate said.
Denying the allegations, Mochana Union Chairman and upazila unit Awami League member Imdad Mollah said: "I am currently in Dhaka, I did not ask anyone to attack.”
Muksudpur police station Officer-in-Charge Ashraful Alam said that one of the victims of the alleged attack, Nur Alam Sheikh, filed a case mentioning the names of five people in connection with the incident. “It was not possible to arrest the accused as they are absconding. A police operation is underway to arrest the accused.”
The national polls is scheduled to be held on January 7.