At least one person was killed and 13 others were injured in a clash between followers of Pankaj Nath, an independent candidate in Barisal-4, and Awami League-nominated candidate Shammi Ahmed.
The incident took place at Bangabandhu Udyan in Barisal at 2:40pm on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Sirajul Islam Sikder, 55, the president of the Bangladesh Krishok League of Ward No 6 of the Guabari Union, said Pankaj Nath.
He said 13 of his leaders and workers were admitted to the hospital. Sirajul Islam died after being taken to a hospital following the beating.
Dr Kabiruddin of the Sher-e Bangla Medical College Hospital's emergency ward said that Sirajul Islam died after being admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.
Dr Shammi Ahmed's Election Coordinator Syed Monir said Pankaj Nath's followers created chaos during the public meeting. “At this time they attacked our activists and Sirajul Islam fell. He died after being taken to the hospital.”
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Arisul Haque said he had heard about the clash. “No complaints have been filed. Legal action will be taken if a case is filed.”
One of the injured individuals, Sohag, said that upon entering the public meeting area, activists of Awami League-nominated MP candidate Shammi Ahmed initiated an attack on Pankaj Nath's procession, and the police resorted to baton charges.
Dr Shammi could not be reached for comment.