One person died, and at least 35 others injured as supporters of independent and Awami League candidates for Barishal-4 clashed at the venue of prime minister’s rally in Barishal this afternoon.
The clash among the supporters of independent candidate Pankaj Nath, also an AL leader, and AL candidate Shammi Ahmed occurred at 2:45pm at Bangabandhu Udyan, 15 minutes before the PM Sheikh Hasina reached the venue.
Both Pankaj and Shammi claimed that the deceased was their supporter and he was beaten to death by their opponents. Siraj was the president of the ward-6 Krishak League under the Gurabari union of the district, claimed Pankaj.
Dr Saiful Islam, director of Barishal Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, said he was brought dead to the hospital.
“No external injury was found in his body. It is not possible to ascertain the reason behind his death until getting his autopsy report,” he said.
Pankaj claimed that 35 of his supporters were hospitalised in the attack.
He added that the injured were taken to different local hospitals, including SBMCH, where they have been receiving treatment.
“Md Siraj Shikdar, who was with us to attend the PM’s rally, was killed in the attack. He died while being taken to the hospital. He sustained severe injuries following a beating,” Pankaj claimed.
Shammi’s election coordinator, Syed Monir, said Pankaj Nath’s followers created chaos at the rally.
“They attacked our leaders. Amid the chaos, our activist Siraj fell and died after being taken to the hospital,” he said, quoting SBMCH doctors.
Monir also claimed that some people were injured when police baton-charged during the chaos.
One of the injured, Khurshed, a supporter of Pankaj, who is receiving treatment at SBMCH, said over 30,000 people came to attend the PM’s rally. People also came from distant places like Mehendiganj and Hijla in 23 launches.
“When our procession started entering the venue, we were attacked by Shammi Ahmed’s supporters. At least 30/40 people were injured on the spot when they beat us with wooden sticks, which were in their hands,” he said.
Contacted, BMP Commissioner Jehadul Kabir said Siraj got stuck in the middle of the clashes. “He was sweating profusely and died when he was being taken to the hospital,” he added.
Daily Star
