Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan has referred to the attack on Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB)-backed mayor candidate Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim in the Barisal City Corporation elections as an "unexpected and isolated" event.
In a press briefing at the Nirbachan Bhaban on Monday afternoon, Ahsan Habib assured that orders have already been issued to apprehend those involved in the assault on Faizul.
"This was an unexpected and isolated event. We have learned that an attack occurred on a candidate in Barisal. Those involved in this incident have been instructed to be arrested and penalized after an investigation," he said.
Ahsan Habib Khan informed that the police commissioner, returning officers, district administrator, and other relevant individuals have been instructed accordingly.
The election commissioner mentioned that, aside from this incident, the city corporation elections in Barishal and Khulna were proceeding peacefully, and in a free and fair manner.
"Everything is going smoothly, except for this unfortunate incident," he commented.
The election commissioner further stated: "Currently, the situation in Barisal is calm and normal. Everyone has been able to cast their votes smoothly at each centre. All our steps are accounted for. We have managed this situation efficiently."
Islami Andolan Bangladesh-backed mayor candidate Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, and several other party men were 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.
“Islami Andolan Bangladesh itself brought activists from outside the city and created chaos in the name of Awami League,” he added.
Voting for 30 wards of Barisal City Corporation (BCC) polls began at 8am on Monday and is currently underway amid festivity.
The voting is taking place via electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 126 polling stations and will continue till 4pm.
A total of 276,298 voters—137,489 men and 138,809 women—are expected to exercise their franchise.
About 4,500 members of law enforcement agencies, 10 platoons of BGB, 30 executive magistrates, and 10 judicial magistrates are working for the polls.
