At least 10 people were injured as followers of Awami League and independent candidates for Pabna-1 seat clashed in Santhia on Friday afternoon.
Four of the injured have been identified as Bera upazila Awami League Secretary Abdur Rashid Dulal, 50, Sajal Hossain, 28, Monwar Hossain, 30, and Sabbir Hossain, 28.
Six of the injured were admitted to Santhia and Bera upazila health complexes. On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
According to police and locals, an election meeting for independent candidate Prof Abu Sayeed took place at Boalmari Bazar. After the meeting, his followers initiated a procession.
While passing the Santhia Awami League office, they were reportedly attacked by Awami League followers with brickbats. This led to a confrontation involving chasing and clashes, resulting in at least 10 injuries.
Santhia Upazila Chairman Abdullah Al Mahmud Delwar said: "After Prof Abu Sayeed's election meeting, we were in a procession passing the upazila Awami League office when the followers of the Awami League led by Santhia Upazila Vice Chairman Sohel Rana Khokon and his followers attacked us from behind, injuring seven or eight of our people.”
However, Sohel Rana Khokon denied the allegations and said: "We were at the Ward 9 Awami League office when Prof Abu Sayeed's followers threw brickbats at our leaders and activists from their procession. We then headed to the Awami League office. A minor chase occurred between both groups. Prof Abu Sayeed's followers vandalized our office, resulting in injuries to three or four of us."
Santhia Upazila Awami League President Hasan Ali said: "I was not in the area at the time of the incident. Then I heard about the conflict. I do not know the whole thing. I can tell you the details after I know. "
Santhia police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Anwar Hossain said: "On information, we rushed to the spot and normalized the situation. Additional police have been deployed in the area. We are investigating the whole matter."
