One killed, 20 hurt in post-polls violence

At least one person was killed and more than 21 were injured in post-upazila polls violence in Brahmanbaria and Barguna districts Monday night.

A youth was killed and at least five others were injured during a clash between the supporters of a newly elected chairman and his defeated rival at Kurighat village under Nabinagar upazila in Brahmanbaria.

Saidul Islam, 36, a supporter of Awami League rebel and independent candidate Moniruzzaman Monir, who won the upazila election at Nabinagar, was stabbed to death, reports our correspondent in Brahmanbaria.

Saidul, who hailed from Nandura village of Natghar union, was severely stabbed when he took part in a victory rally at Kurighat village around 8:00pm, locals said.

They added Saidul had an altercation with Musa Mia and Yousuf Miah, supporters of AL candidate Kazi Jahir Uddin on the voting day on March 31. Saidul opposed their appointment as polling officers of the AL candidate.

Mohsin Mia, supporter of Moniruzzaman, said they were preparing for a victory rally when a group of rival people swooped on them with lethal weapons.

“Saidul was stabbed in his chest by a sharp weapon and he died on way to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital,” added Mohsin.

Five others including Mohsin were undergoing treatment at the same hospital.

Officer-in-Charge of Nabinagar police Ranjeet Roy said law enforcers rushed to the spot and detained one Humayun Mia.

In Barguna, at least 16 were injured in a clash between the supporters of Golam Sarwar Forkan, the newly elected chairman and defeated candidate Shamsuddin Saju at Arpangashia Bazar under Amtali upazila.

Both contested the March 31 polls as independent candidates, reports our correspondent in Patuakhali.

Of the injured, five were sent to Barishal Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital and five to Patuakhali General Hospital. The rest were undergoing treatment at Amtali Upazila Health Complex.

Nurul Islam, OC (investigation) of Amtali police, said a team of law enforcers rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.

Seven people were arrested for their involvement in the clash, he added.