Clash between 'BNP supporters' leaves one dead in Mymensingh

A man was killed in a clash allegedly between two groups of BNP supporters following the inauguration of an election office of an independent candidate in Dhobaura upazila of Mymensingh on Friday evening (16 January).

The deceased was identified as Nazrul Islam, 40, son of Mofiz Uddin of Ramsinghpur village of the upazila and an activist of independent candidate Salman Omar Rubel. 

Additional Superintendent of Police (Finance and Administration) Abdullah Al Mamun said Salman Omar Rubel went to Ershad Bazar on Friday evening to inaugurate his election office.

"After the programme ended and he was leaving the area, supporters of BNP-nominated candidate and BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince allegedly attacked Rubel's supporters, triggering a clash. During the clash, Nazrul Islam was stabbed by rivals," he added.

The officer further said locals rushed him to Dhobaura Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, tension has prevailed in the area.

Independent candidate Salman Omar Rubel alleged that Prince's supporters carried out a sudden attack from behind after the office inauguration.

He demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of his supporter.

BNP-nominated candidate for Mymensingh-1 (Haluaghat-Dhobaura) constituency Syed Emran Saleh Prince said he was not fully aware of the incident as he was in Haluaghat at the time.

"From what I have initially heard, the incident stemmed from a family dispute. Attempts are being made to give it a political colour," he said. 

If it is found that anyone linked to our party is involved, action will be taken, he added.

Dhobaura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shafikul Islam said police visited the scene and legal action is underway.