At least five people were injured in sporadic clashes between two factions of the ruling Awami League in a post-election violence in Bheramara upazila on Friday.
Of the injured, Akhteruzzaman Mithu, senior vice-president of the upazila unit Awami League who suffered bullet wounds, was admitted to local health complex in a critical condition.
Police and locals said AL upazila unit president Abu Bakkar Siddique and Mithu filed nomination papers to contest Wednesday’s upazila polls for the post of chairman.However, Mithu later quit the election race to ensure the victory of the AL-supported candidate Abu Bakkar. But, Bakkar lost the election to the BNP-backed candidate.
A faction of local AL leaders and activists blamed Mithu for the defeat of Bakkar.
Over the issue, angered AL activists attacked Mithu and his two associates near Ramkrishnapur Power Plant in the upazila in the morning.
The attackers opened fire on the AL leader and hit him with brick chips in his head, leaving him critically injured.
Rescued by locals, the injured was admitted to Bheramara Upazila Health Complex.
As a sequel to the incident, AL faction-led by Mithu locked into a fierce clash with their rival faction, leaving three people injured.
Following the incidents, rivals exploded bombs in front of Naodapara residence of Bitu, nephew of AL central joint secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif. – UNB
