Supporters of Islami Andolan Bangladesh-backed mayor candidate Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim have staged a rally in Barisal city carrying sticks in their hand protesting a reported attack on their mayor candidate.
After the attack incident, his followers were seen entering the city with sticks in their hands on Monday.
In this regard, it was reported that Afzalul Karim, the chief election agent of Awami League backed mayor candidate, has given a written complaint to the Returning Officer Humayun Kabir.
Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, and several other party men have been injured in a clash allegedly carried out by Awami League activists.
Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim alleged that some 30-40 boat symbol supporters attacked them with sticks near Hatim Ali College after they left Sabera Khatun Girls' Secondary School polling centre on Monday.
However, Awami League's chief Election Agent Afzalul Karim denied all allegations and said their party men were not involved in the clash or attack.
A video depicting supporters of the mayoral candidate backed by the Islamic Andolan Party in Barishal, marching with sticks and rods during the polls, has gone viral on social media.
Clad in Punjabi and sporting skullcaps, a sizable group of supporters can be seen parading with bamboo-made objects, sticks, and rods.
Netizens, prompted by the video, have raised concerns about whether such a demonstration could potentially incite widespread violence, while also questioning the role of law enforcement agencies in this matter.
"This violent march undeniably instills a sense of fear among voters, serving as a clear act of intimidation," expressed one user.
