Kushtia Khoksa upazila parishad by-poll begins with clash

The by-election to Khoksa Upazila Parishad of Kushtia began this morning (November 2, 2022) amid clash between supporters of the rival candidates.

As soon as voting started at 8:00 am, the fight broke out at Kadirpur Government Primary School voting centre between supporters of Awami League nominated candidate Babul Akhter and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) leader Motahar Hossain Khokon, reports our local correspondent.

According to sources, Motahar Hossain Khokon appointed one Rahman as his polling agent. But Rahman is allegedly not a resident of the area. Rahman and the polling agent of the AL nominated candidate had an argument over the issue. At one point, Rahman was beaten and thrown out of the centre, our correspondent reports quoting sources.

However, the situation was brought under control shortly and voting was going on, said Syed Ashikur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Khoksha Police Station around 9:30am.

Meanwhile, Abdul Awal Kanak Khan, the younger brother of Khoksa Upazila Chhatra League President Shimul Ahmed Khan, was shot last night during a clash at Mashilia village in the upazila, the OC added.

Chhatra League president Shimul Khan and his brother are supporters of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) leader Motahar Hossain Khokon, who is pitted against Awami League nominated candidate Babul Akhter.

"Authorities are trying hard to keep the electoral environment fair," UNO Babul Bishwas said.