Councillor aspirants clash in front of Atiqul
AL supporters of two DNCC councillor candidates engaged in a clash in Gulshan-1 area yesterday, while mayoral candidate of the party Atiqul Islam was present.
Supporters of AL-backed councillor Md Nasir of ward-20 and the “rival AL” candidate Jahidur Rahman Dulal hurled chairs at each other at around noon, injuring several activists.
The incident happened while Atiqul was talking to journalists regarding the upcoming election, before starting his campaign from Shaheed Dr Fazle Rabbi Park in Gulshan.
Supporters following Nasir, the AL-backed councillor and also the incumbent, started gathering around the park amid rain at 11am during Atiqul’s campaign. Meanwhile, the rival group -- led by Dulal -- joined, chanting slogans for “boat” (AL’s electoral symbol) and at one point, the two groups locked in a scuffle. The incident lasted around 10 minutes.
Atiqul Islam was escorted by his supporters from the park, who then started moving towards Mohakhali Saattola Slum via Niketon, to continue the campaign.
According to local AL leaders, the party gave a list on December 29 last year endorsing its councillor candidates at different wards. Dulal’s name was on the list at first, but later, AL gave support to incumbent councillor Nasir, and this triggered the rivalry.
Contacted, Dulal, also the general secretary of ward-20, said, “We were chanting slogans from the audience in one side, and supporters of Nasir were at the other end. They surrounded the stage where the mayoral candidate Atiqul Islam was present.”
“We could not go close to the stage. At one point, they came attacking us with chairs. Ashraf Ali Sarder, Banani thana Awami League vice president, sustained head injuries and broke his fingers. At least three of our men got severely injured and hospitalised, including Asraf,” he alleged.
Contacted, Nasir said, “Dulal and their supporters joined the programme at the last minute, and they were the ones who started throwing chairs to create a scene. At least three men from our side also got injured.”
Talking to journalists regarding the matter at Mohakhali area, Atiqul said, “This is not expected at all. People will not see this in a positive light.”
“I informed the leaders to look into the matter. If we can keep harmony (within ourselves), then people will welcome us,” he said regarding steps taken from his side.
Terming it an “untoward incident”, he also said, “It was not a clash between AL and BNP. It is a misunderstanding among ourselves. It’s a big congregation and such an incident may take place; however, it is not expected.”
“I expect everyone to have patience and create a fair environment (for the election),” he said addressing his followers.
Earlier in the day at the campaign, Atiq told voters, “Victory and defeat coexist in election. But we need to accept it and work together.”
At the end of the first phase of his campaign at 2:40pm in Mohakhali, in a brief street meeting, he said, “Your vote is very valuable. You can vote for whoever you want, but vote for someone who will work for the development of your area.”
He then moved towards Mirpur to start his second phase of the campaign for the day.
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