A clash erupted between activists of the Awami League-backed candidate and an independent one in Etakhola market of Khetlal upazila in Joypurhat on Tuesday evening.
Several individuals from both groups, including the independent candidate, reportedly sustained injuries.
In the afternoon, independent candidate Golam Mahfuz Chowdhury arrived at his election camp in Etakhola market with his supporters. During this time, activists from both sides were chanting alternately.
A scuffle ensued, and during the altercation, independent candidate Mahfuz fell down while attempting to intervene, being kicked and punched in the process.
He was later rescued by activists, and the police arrived to bring the situation under control.
Golam Mahfuz Chowdhury was then taken to Joypurhat Modern General Hospital.
The independent candidate said: "I went to my election camp in Etakhola market in the afternoon along with former chairman of Khetlal upazila parishad Taiful Islam Talukdar and activists. At that time, the activists under Khetlal upazila Awami League joint general secretary and former mayor of Khetlal municipality Sirajul Islam Bulu ambushed me. I was beaten up on the road in front of hundreds of people. During this time, several of my supporters were injured.
“I am preparing to file a case in this incident. My activists and supporters are being threatened and intimidated every day."
Sirajul Islam Bulu denied the allegations, adding: "We were sitting at the election camp in Etakhola market. At that time, Taiful Islam Talukdar, former chairman of Khetlal upazila parishad, who was with independent candidate Golam Mahfuz Chowdhury, insulted Zulfiqar Ali Chowdhury, a ‘boat’ symbol activist. The independent candidate and his people beat up our activists for protesting the incident."
Khetlal police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Anwar Hossain said: "Due to insults, there was a clash on both sides. The police went to the spot and brought the situation under control. No complaint was received in this incident. If complaints are received, legal action will be taken."
