One killed during AL council

A man was killed and 20 others were injured in a clash between two factions of ruling Awami League (AL) during the council of local ward unit of AL at Debgram village in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila on Monday night.

The deceased was identified as village doctor Rezaul Karim Mollah, 37, son of Mobarak Mollah of Munshipara village.

Locals said there was a longstanding conflict between Hafizur Islam, chairman of Debgram Union Parishad, and Ator Ali, former chairman of the same union parishad, over establishing supremacy in the area. The two are also the activists of Debgram union unit of AL.

As a sequel to the conflict, Md Bokul, son of Hafizur, and Sirazul, son of Ator, locked in an altercation during the council held at Debgram Government Primary School on Monday.

At one stage, the men of the two rivals attacked each other with lethal weapons, leaving at least 21 people from both sides injured. Of the injured, Karim died on way to Faridpur Medical College Hospital.

Karim was one of the relatives of Hafizur.

Hafizur alleged that Ator, his son and supporters killed Karim.

Sirazul Islam said Bokul, son of Hafizur, along with his men carried out the attack and vandalised their houses.

Rabiul Islam, officer-in-charge of Goalanda Police Station, said the clash took place during the council.

Police detained three supporters of Ator Ali from the spot, said the OC.