BCC polls: Law enforcers baton charge IAB supporters

Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) charged batons on the supporters of Islami Andolan Bangladesh's mayoral candidate Mufti Syed Faizul Karim to disperse them from Beltala Bazar in the city this afternoon.

The supporters gathered there to protest an attack on Mufti Syed Faizul Karim during Barishal City Corporation elections. The mayoral candidate and several supporters were injured in the attack.

According to locals and witnesses, the law enforcers used force around 5:20 as IAB supporters were trying to move ahead defying instructions.

Police however denied charging batons on protesters.

"We did not charge batons. BGB chased them as they were trying to move ahead defying their instructions," Md Faruq Hossain, assistant deputy commissioner of Barishal Metropolitan Police, stationed at the spot, told The Daily Star.

Earlier, hearing the attack on Mufti Syed Faizul Karim, leaders and activists started gathering in front of Barishal University, chanting slogans against the ruling party.

Mohammad Kawsar Bangalee, a secretary of Jubo Islami Andolan, an affiliated organisation of IAB, stated that they had taken position on the highway to protest the attack.

"We wanted to enter the city, but our leader Mufti Shaheb has instructed us not to do so. We will enter the city once we receive orders from our leader."

A tense situation prevailed in the Beltala area as several thousands of IAB supporters gathered there. A large number of police forces were also seen nearby.