At least 17 people received gunshot wounds during a clash between supporters of two rival union parishad candidates in Dema union under Bagerhat’s Sadar upazila.
The shootout out took place between supporters of Ahed Mostafa Bappi Sheikh, Awami League backed member candidate for Dema union ward 7 and Sajib Tarafdar, the incumbent at around 10pm on Thursday.
At this time, several local businesses and shops were reportedly vandalized as well.
Informed, police reached the spot, took control of the situation and detained four people. Additional police were deployed at the scene of the crime to avoid further clashes.
The injured were admitted to Bagerhat Sadar Hospital and Khulna Medical College Hospital.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Ahed Mostafa Bappi said: “After submitting the nomination papers on Thursday, I went out for electioneering with my supporters. Sajib Tarafdar and his men suddenly open fired at my supporters in front of his house.”
Meanwhile, Sajib Tarafdar's brother Sohail Tarafdar said: “Ahed Bappi and his men came to our house to kill my brother Sajib Tarafdar on Thursday night. They called my brother out. At that time, my mother Sakina Akhter Bulu came out and asked about their intentions. It is then that they open fired and critically injured my mother.”
Bagerhat Additional Superintendent of Police (Add SP) Mir Shafin Mahmud said “A clash ensued between two rival groups in the area over establishing supremacy. We are investigating into the incident, action will be taken against those who are responsible.”
Bagerhat Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) KM Azizul Islam said: “Four people have been detained following the clash. One person has been brought to the police station for questioning. A gun has been seized. However, no case was registered in this regard till 4pm Friday.”
On April 11, Dema union parishad will go to polls along with 323 union parishads of 63 upazilas of 20 districts across the country.
