Supporters of two factions of Awami League locked into a series of clashes at Arani municipality in Rajshahi over the upcoming mayoral election on Wednesday.
Locals said a clash broke out when between the supports of AL-backed mayor candidate Shahiduzzaman Shahid and rebel candidate Mukta Ali when Shaid was holding a rally at Taltola Bazar in the municipality around 9:30 pm.
Shahid’s supporters alleged that Muktar’s supporters swooped on them during their rally that sparked the clash.
After a break, the two groups, equipped with arms, attacked each other again at around 11pm that left Shahid’s nephew Tushar, 28, seriously injured. He was rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH).
Besides, around 100 shops at Taltola bazaar were reportedly vandalized and looted during the clash.
Rajshahi Superintendent of Police (SP) ABM Masud Hossain said police brought the situation under control and additional force has been deployed in the area to avert further trouble.
Legal action will be taken against those who were involved in the violence.
Muktar Ali is currently serving as the mayor of Arani municipality. He was expecting Awami League nomination in this election as well but AL nominated Shahiduzzaman Shaheed. Now he is contesting the polls as a rebel candidate.
He was removed from the post of organizing secretary of Arani Municipality Awami League.
