An independent candidate was killed and 20 others were injured in a clash between supporters of the Awami League backed and rebel candidates for the chairman post of Bharara Union Parishad in Pabna Sadar upazila today.

The deceased, Md Yasin Alam (35), was the independent chairman candidate of Bharara union, reports our Pabna correspondent quoting Md Aminul Islam, officer-in-charge of Pabna Sadar Police Station.

The OC said, critically injured Yasin was taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where on-duty doctor declared him dead.

The injured are now undergoing treatment at Pabna General Hospital, added the OC.

Additional police forces were deployed in the area to stop any untoward incident, said Md Rokonuzzaman, additional superintendent of police of Pabna.

He added that they have already arrested two persons in this connection.

"A group led by AL nominated candidate Abu Sayeed carried out an attack on me when my election campaign reached Bottala area -- leaving 21 injured, including my cousin and independent candidate Yasin," alleged rebel candidate Sultan Hossain.

Yasin succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, said Sultan.

Denying the allegation of attack, AL nominated candidate Abu Sayeed blamed the rebel candidate Sultan Hossain for the attack.

The Bharara Union Parishad elections are scheduled to be held on December 28.