Pre-polls Violence: Independent runner killed

An independent union parishad chairman candidate was killed and at least 20 other people were injured in pre-polls violence in Pabna yesterday morning.

The casualties occurred when supporters of the Awami League chairman candidate in Varara union of Pabna Sadar upazila and a party rebel candidate clashed in Koladi area of Varara village, police said.

The dead is Md Yasin Alam, 35, a resident of Varara village and also an independent chairman candidate in the polls, scheduled for December 26.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission yesterday postponed the polls to Varara Union Parishad following the death of the independent candidate, confirmed Senior District Election Officer Md Mahabubur Rahman.

Sultan Hossain, the rebel AL chairman candidate and also a cousin of the deceased, said, "Although Yasin was contesting the election, he was a supporter of mine."

He alleged that supporters of AL candidate Abu Sayeed attacked his followers in Koladi Chara Bottola area around 9:00am when they were conducting electioneering.

"Carrying arms and lethal weapons, they attacked my supporters, leaving 10 to 15 people injured. Among the injured were Yasin and seven of my family members," Sultan said.

Md Aminul Islam, officer-in-charge of Pabna Sadar Police Station, said some injured were taken to Pabna General Hospital.

As Yasin's condition deteriorated, he was referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. But he died on the way to RMCH, the OC added.

Refuting the allegation of attacking Sultan's men, AL nominee Abu Sayeed said followers of Sultan attacked his men, leaving 10 to 12 people, including his brother, injured.

Additional police members were deployed in the union to avoid any fresh law and order situation, said Additional Superintendent of Police Rokonuzzaman Sarkar.

He said police detained two people in connection with the incident. "We have video footage of the incident. We are trying to identify the lawbreakers."

The fourth phase of the UP polls will be held on December 26.

In Tangail, at least 20 people were injured in an attack on supporters of an independent (AL rebel) chairman candidate allegedly by the followers of the ruling party candidate in Nikrail union of Bhuanpur upazila yesterday afternoon.

Independent candidate Masudul Haque Masud alleged that supporters of AL nominee Abdul Matin Sarkar attacked his followers when they were electioneering in Khokar Doba area.

Despite repeated attempts, this newspaper could not reach the AL candidate for comments as his mobile phone was switched off.

In Feni, two AL rebel chairman candidates -- Saiful Islam and Mohammad Ibrahim -- filed complaints with Feni Model Police Station against the ruling party candidate over vandalising their homes.

The houses were allegedly damaged on Friday evening. However, AL nominee Kalimullah denied the allegation.

In Manikganj, supporters of Hamidur Rahman Alai, AL chairman nominee in Ghior Union Parishad polls, allegedly attacked independent candidate Md Ohidul Islam Tutul and his followers on Friday evening, leaving six people injured.