Clashes have escalated among rival candidates in Chattogram-15 constituency, Satkania centering the 12th parliamentary election, scheduled for January 7.
Since the beginning of the campaign, clashes between supporters of Awami League candidate Abu Reza Mohammad Nezamuddin Nadvi and independent candidate MA Motaleb, a leader within the Awami League, have involved shootings and chases, escalating tensions.
On Thursday evening, an election campaign rally led by Rizia Reza Chowdhury, the wife of AL-nominated candidate Nezamuddin Nadvi and a female Awami League leader, was attacked allegedly by the supporters of independent candidate MA Motaleb in Charati Union of the upazila.
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At least 15 leaders and activists, including Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadwi's brother-in-law Charati UP Chairman Ruhullah Chowdhury, were injured.
The injured were admitted to different hospitals, including Satkania Upazila Health Complex.
Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadvi alleged that Awami League leader Saiful Islam led the attack on his leaders and activists at the behest of independent candidate MA Motaleb.
Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milton Biswas, Additional Superintendent of Police (Satkania Circle) Md Shibli Noman and Officer-in-Charge of the police station Priton Sarker visited the spot.
Earlier on Wednesday night, supporters of MP Nadvi allegedly vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb, his car, and opened fire at his supporters' house in the West Dhemsha Ichamati Alinagar area.
Meanwhile, Dr AMM Minhazur Rahman, chief coordinator of the election management committee of independent candidate MA Motaleb, said a group of 20-30 outsiders, including Nadvi's follower Riazuddin Riyadh, came with arms and vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb and flung posters and chairs.
“At that time, the supporters of Nadvi fired more than 100 rounds of bullets to create an environment of fear,” said Rahman. “A microbus, a small truck, and two CNG auto rickshaws were vandalised.”
Later, the supporters of the incumbent attacked the house of Md. Riduanul Haque Sumon, chairman of Motaleb’s election management committee, and fired bullets, alleged chief coordinator Mizanur Rahman.
Regarding the escalating violence, Satkania Police Station Officer-in-Charge Priton Sarkar said legal action will be taken if official complaints are received.