Faridpur-1: 2 supporters of independent candidate hacked during clash with BNP men

Two supporters of an independent candidate contesting the Faridpur-1 constituency were hacked and seriously injured reportedly during a clash with the BNP candidate's supporter from the same area over election campaigning and banner placement in Madhukhali upazila.

The incident took place last night (28 January) at Dostrardia village in Jahapur Union of Madhukhali. The injured were identified as Abid Hasan Roni, 25, and Alif Hasan, 23, sons of Zahid Hasan of the same village. They were admitted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Doctors said both brothers sustained multiple deep wounds to the chest, abdomen and hands caused by sharp weapons.

The injured are supporters of independent candidate Abul Basar Khan, who is contesting with the football symbol.

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Their father, Zahid Hasan, alleged that while they were putting up banners in the afternoon in support of Abul Basar Khan, Jihad, a supporter of BNP candidate Khandaker Nasirul Islam, tried to stop them and at one stage attacked his two sons with a sharp knife.

Independent candidate Abul Basar Khan claimed the attack was carried out to obstruct his election campaign. He said he has informed the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) about the incident.

BNP candidate Khandaker Nasirul Islam, however, denied the allegations against his supporters. He claimed that no BNP activist was involved in the attack, suggesting that creditors of the independent candidate might have carried it out. "The truth will come out if police investigate," he said.

Madhukhali police station officer-in-charge (OC) Fakir Taizur Rahman said police were sent to the scene immediately after receiving the information. He added that the actual cause of the attack would be determined through investigation and legal action would be taken accordingly.