A roadside rally of independent candidate Muhammad Iqbal Hossain Sabuj in Gazipur-3 (Sreepur and Piruzali-Bhawalgarh-Mirzapur) constituency allegedly came under attack by a group of Awami League men supporting boat candidate Professor Rumana Ali Tusi.
The incident occurred at Anandabazar area of Mauna Union in the upazila at 6:30pm on Friday.
Nachu Bhuiya, the president of Mauna Union Ward No 9 Awami League and a follower of Sabuj, said that the Awami League candidate's activists vandalized the meeting's chairs and assaulted the participants saying that no truck, electoral symbol of Sabuj, was allowed to operate in the Anandabazar area.
The attackers tore posters of Truck symbol and leaflets, vandalized chairs and tables, and threw them into a nearby pond, he added.
Activist Masud, supporting the independent candidate, said that Awami League activists suddenly appeared at the road meeting and attacked.
The attackers also said that no meeting of the independent candidate could be held in their area.
Injured Nurul Islam mentioned that around 40-50 activists and supporters, led by Abul Kashem, Harun, Rubel, and Fazlul Haque under the Boat symbol, attacked the meeting pandal with batons.
They threatened and dispersed the supporters of the independent candidate attending the road meeting, throwing chairs and tables.
Accused individuals, including Fazlul Haque, Abul Kashem, Harun, could not be reached for comments.
Additionally, activists and supporters of the independent candidate reported attacks in Kawran Bazar, Shimlapara, Shirishguri, and Aktapara rallies of Mauna Union. At least four-five people were injured in these incidents.
Sreepur Upazila Nibahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Returning Officer Shamima Yasmin said that the executive magistrate immediately went to the spot with members of the law and order forces after receiving information about the attack.
No action could be taken against the accused individuals as the incident did not occur before the magistrate, he added.
