Hasanat, Khair hug it out
With senior leaders of Barishal Awami League working to mend internal conflicts ahead of the city polls on June 12, another meeting held yesterday in this regard brought both hope and intrigue.
AL mayoral candidate Abul Khair Abdullah, joined by his brother Hasanat Abdullah, father of the incumbent mayor Sadiq Abdullah, attended the meeting, sharing an emotional hug.
However, the absence of Sadiq, still leaves room for some questions.
During the gathering at Gaurnadi upazila auditorium, Khair emphasised the need to forge a new Barishal city, leaving behind all differences.
"This election holds great importance as its outcome will impact neighbouring areas. We seek everyone's cooperation in this endeavor," he said.
Jahangir Kabir Nanak, a member of the AL presidium committee, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of unity and collective effort to ensure the victory of the party's nominated candidate.
Abdur Rahman, another AL presidium member, said, "If we stand united and support our mayoral nominee, there is no way we can lose."
Hasanat Abdullah, also expressed confidence in the power of unity, stating, "Let us all work together in favor of my younger brother."
The selection of Khair as the Awami League's candidate on April 15 has sparked a fierce power struggle in Barishal, with incumbent Mayor Sadiq desperately trying to maintain control while Khair steadily gains support, according to locals and AL insiders.
The escalating tensions have resulted in confrontations, and on the night of May 14, an attack was carried out on Khair's followers. The following day, individuals affiliated with Sadiq were apprehended in connection with the incident.
Compounding the division within the party, neither Khair nor Sadiq attended the initial meeting on May 26, which aimed to foster unity and cooperation among their respective factions.
TENSION SOARS
Amidst the escalating tensions in Barishal, at least 10 people were injured as supporters of two councillor aspirants clashed during a meeting on Friday night. The clash broke out in the presence of Khair Abdullah.
The clash erupted between the supporters of ATM Shahidullah Kabir and Joynal Abedin, who are both vying for the councillor post of ward 10.
Witnesses reported that the altercation began when a supporter of Joynal Abedin attempted to get on the stage, but was prevented by Shahidullah Kabir's supporters. The situation escalated rapidly, with chairs being thrown and a physical scuffle ensuing.
In response to the incident, five individuals were taken into custody for questioning, according to the Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Kotwali Police Station.
Afzalul Karim, the senior vice-president of Barisal city AL, said they were conducting a peaceful meeting and are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the altercation.
Both councillor candidates, Joynal Abedin and ATM Shahidullah Kabir, gave conflicting accounts of the incident, each blaming the other's supporters for instigating the violence.
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