Clash between BNP, independent candidate supporters in Munshiganj leaves 8 injured

A clash broke out between supporters of BNP candidate Quamruzzaman Ratan and independent candidate Md Mohiuddin, who is contesting with the 'football' symbol, in Shiloy union of Munshiganj sadar.

The clash, which took place around 4:45pm today (11 February) in front of the Purbarakhi Government Primary School polling centre, left at least seven supporters from both sides and a passerby injured.

Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, the presiding officer of the centre, Gazi Md Anisuzzaman, said, "An exchange of heated words and tension arose between the two groups in front of the polling centre, which later escalated into a clash."

"Around 6:45pm, four of the injured; Joy, 32, Jewel, 42, Iqbal, 32, and Abdul Jabbar Bepari, 53, were taken to Munshiganj General Hospital," said Masudur Rahman, a physician at the hospital's emergency department.

Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge of Munshiganj Sadar Police Station Md Mominul Islam said, "The clash erupted after a procession of 'sheaf of paddy' symbol supporters attacked supporters of the football symbol."

"Police mobile teams are deployed at the scene, and the situation in the area is currently normal," OC Mominul added.

When asked about the clash, Shiloy Union BNP leader Zakir Jomadar told TBS, "When we went to submit agent papers to the presiding officer an argument broke out. Supporters of the independent candidate Mohiuddin obstructed us, which led to the altercation.

"Members from both sides were injured."

However, denying the allegation, Mahbubul Sohag, a supporter of Mohiuddin, said, "We were staying in an open field outside the polling centre when supporters of the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol brought out a procession and attacked us.

Sohag, who was earlier expelled from his post as Sadar upazila Jubo Dal member secretary, claimed, "Around 10 to 12 of our people were injured."