11 injured as activists of BNP, independent candidate clash in Joypurhat

At least eleven people were injured in a clash between activists of an independent candidate and a BNP candidate in Joypurhat Sadar Upazila on Wednesday afternoon.

The injured have been admitted to the Joypurhat General Hospital, confirmed Joypurhat Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Anisur Rahman. Police later brought the situation under control, he added.

Joypurhat General Hospital’s supervisor Dr Rashed Mobarak said all the injured were out of danger following first-aid treatment.

According to police and locals, activists of BNP candidate for Joypurhat-1, Masud Rana Pradhan, and independent candidate, Sabekun Nahar Shikha, engaged in a clash in front of the Joypurhat Government College around 4pm on Wednesday.

Mamunur Rashid Pradhan, younger brother of BNP candidate Masud Rana and also the president of Chhatra Dal’s Joypurhat district unit, alleged that Sabekun Nahar and her team were distributing hand-cash in front of Joypurhat Government College to “buy off” voters in their favour ahead of next day’s national elections.

When the BNP activists and locals tried to resist the illegal process, Sabekun’s team, which included outsiders and criminals from Faridpur, attacked them, leaving several injured, the Chhatra Dal leader alleged.

In response, independent candidate Sabekun Nahar alleged that her brother-in-law and other team members were injured by BNP “goons” as they were on their way to visiting the polling booths in the area.

The BNP activists tried to snatch away her phone and also “molested” her, Sabekun Nahar alleged.