At least ten people were injured as supporters of BNP-nominated candidate and an independent contender clashed in Madaripur on Wednesday.
The clash occurred around noon at Kalir Bazar area under Bahadurpur union under Madaripur Sadar upazila.
One critically injured person was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while others are receiving treatment at Madaripur general Hospital and several private clinics.
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, independent candidate Milton Baidya, contesting with 'Kolosh' symbol, was conducting an election campaign with his supporters at Kalir Bazar area. At the same time, supporters of BNP nominee Jahandar Ali Mia, who is contesting with 'Dhaner Shish' symbol, were present in the same area.
Tensions escalated when supporters from both sides began chanting slogans for their respective symbols. What began as verbal confrontation soon turned into pushing and shoving, eventually erupting into violent clashes.
Supporters from both camps allegedly attacked each other with locally made weapons.
Following the incident, panic spread among local residents as tension gripped Kalir Bazar and surrounding areas.
Upon receiving information, members of the army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.
Additional police forces have since been deployed in the area.
Supporters of BNP-backed candidate alleged that activists of the independent candidate vandalised their election camp and tore down banners and festoons.
However, independent candidate Milton Baidya denied the allegations, claiming instead that BNP supporters attacked him and his supporters.
He alleged that the assault was premeditated, motivated by his growing strength in the electoral race and demanded a fair investigation into the incident.
Madaripur Sadar Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Abul Kalam Azad said the situation is currently under control.
He added that additional police have been deployed and that the incident is being investigated, with necessary legal action to follow.
AHS/SH
