AL-backed candidate dies

Sardar Niyamat Hossain, 55, who contested for position of chairman in Bagerhat Upazila, has died of injuries sustained in a poll time clash.

Bagerhat-Fakirhat-Election_AL

He was injured during a clash between locals and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) on Feb 27, when polls were taking place in Bagerhat’s Fakirhat Upazila.

Fakirhat Police Station OC SM Anwar Hossain said Niyamat Hossain died around 8am at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Medical University and Hospital on Tuesday.

Fakirhat Upazila Awami League’s Joint General Secretary Tushar Kumar Kundu said that Hossain, who was supported by the ruling party, lost the Upazila elections.

BNP backed candidate Sheikh Shariful Kamal Karim won the elections.

On Feb 27, BGB members got into a scuffle with two local Awami League leaders over parking of their motorcycles at the polling centre at Satsika Government Primary School.

The border guards beat up the leaders and held them captive. In protest, the locals blocked the nearest road.

Hossain reportedly went to the spot and requested for releasing the two leaders.

The BGB personnel took him to the police station and beat him up, according to local AL leaders.

Witnesses said angry voters attacked the polling centre after that and burnt ballot boxes, forcing a suspension of voting.

At least 15 including Hossain, executive magistrate Ariful Islam and two law enforcers were injured in the clash.

Hossain was rushed to the local health centre with severe injuries.

Later he was shifted to Khulna’s Abu Naser Hospital and was then taken to Dhaka on Mar 15, as his condition worsened.

Meanwhile, a case was filed against Hossain and his few supporters over the incident by magistrate Islam.

Source: bdnews24