1 killed in Faridpur pre-polls violence

A man was killed and 20 others were injured in a clash between supporters of the Awami League and its rebel candidates for the chairman post of Jadunandi Union Parishad in Faridpur's Saltha upazila yesterday.

The dead is Mariz Sikdar, 30, of the upazila's Khardia village, said police, adding that the law enforcers had to open fire to bring the situation under control.

According to locals, Jadunandi union unit AL President Abdul Rob Mollah submitted his nomination as a chairman candidate with the party ticket.

On the other hand, Saltha upazila unit AL member Rafique Mollah submitted his nomination for the same post as AL rebel candidate. Nurujjaman Thakur, member of the upazila unit AL, supported him.

However, around a month ago, Thakur left Rafique's group and joined Rob. Tension has been prevailing ever since, they added.

As a sequel, the supporters of Rafique and Rob locked into a clash with lethal weapons around 2:00pm yesterday, leaving one dead and 20 others injured.

The injured were taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital in Faridpur.

Asked, Rafique said, "The AL nominated candidate has no popularity. He is attacking us by dividing my team. He killed one of his supporters."

On the contrary, Rob said, "The clash took place because of Rafique. His supporters attacked my supporter's house and looted."

Contacted, Mohammad Ashikujjman, officer-in-charge of Saltha Police Station, said, "On information, police rushed to the spot and opened fire to bring the situation under control. A total 21 people were injured in the clash. Among them, one died."

The election is scheduled to be held on November 11.