At least 25 people were injured including five journalists during attacks on three election camps of an independent candidate of Jamalpur-5 on Wednesday night.
The attacks were carried out in the Golam Ali market of Nandina Purba Bazar and Maheshpur Kalibari of Ranagacha union and Khorkhoria area of Jamalpur Sadar upazila.
An executive magistrate was assaulted during the attack.
Supporters of independent candidate Rezaul Karim Reznu alleged that activists of Awami League candidate Abul Kalam Azad carried out the attacks equipped with locally made arms and sticks.
Awami League supporters torched three motorcycles in the Maheshpur Kalibari area, they claimed.
Protesting the attacks, the followers of Eagle blocked the Jamalpur-Mymensingh highway for around two hours.
Rezaul Karim went to the spot to calm down his followers in the presence of Executive Magistrate Barkat Ullah. When he started to address his supporters, police and RAB suddenly started to charge batons, he said.
The executive magistrate and local UP Member Suruzzaman Fakir were assaulted by law enforcement, Rezaul claimed.
Besides, five journalists and 10 followers of the Eagle candidate were also injured in the attack. The injured people were undergoing treatment at Jamalpur General Hospital, said Reznu.
He also alleged that there is no level playing field in Jamalpur.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said independent candidates will also get the same benefits as Boat candidates, but I am going to be deprived of those benefits as an independent candidate,” claimed Reznu.
He claimed that Boat supporters vandalized three of his election camps and torched three motorcycles in Kalibari Maheshkhali.
“When I took the initiative to calm down my followers and clear the road, suddenly the electricity connection was cut. Armed police with members of RAB attacked my supporters. The AC (Land) and journalists were also beaten in front of me.”
“I strongly condemn this incident, it is a master plan to reduce my voter count and when the sinking of the Boat is certain, when my victory is certain, they have resorted to this kind of tactic.”
Meanwhile, Advocate Mohammad Baki Billah, Jamalpur Awami League president, said three motorcycles of their activists were burned in the attack and their five men were injured.
The independent candidate also blamed the Awami League candidate for ruining a healthy election atmosphere.
Muhammad Mohabbat Kabir, the OC of Jamalpur Sadar police station, said he visited Maheshpur Kalibari spot after hearing about the incidents of burning three motorcycles and vandalizing an election campaign centre.
“We are still not sure who the owners of the motorcycles are. Necessary legal action will be taken against the attackers after investigation,” he added.
