One killed as supporters of AL’s Shammi, Pankaj clash at PM’s Barishal rally

Desk News :: At least one person was killed and 13 others injured in a clash between the supporters of Awami League’s incumbent lawmaker for Barishal-4 Pankaj Nath and AL international affairs secretary Shammi Ahmed at an election campaign rally of prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the Bangabandhu Udyan in Barishal city Friday afternoon.

The deceased is identified as Sirajul Islam Sikder, 55, a resident of Guabari Union under Mehendiganj Upazila.

Confirming the matter, AL Independent candidate Pankaj Nath said that the deceased was the president of the Krishok League of Ward No. 6 of Guabari Union.

Pankaj Nath said that 13 of his leaders and workers were admitted to the hospital.

Sirajul Islam, who was killed was with us and came to the prime minister’s public meeting.

He died after being taken to hospital after he was beaten severely.

Barishal Sher-e Bangla Medical College Hospital Ward Master Kalam said that the deceased’s name was Sirajul Islam Sikder and he was 53.

Dr Kabiruddin of emergency ward of SBMCH said that he died after being admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.

He said that the cause of the death could be ascertained after receiving his post mortem report.

Dr Shammi Ahmed’s election coordinator Syed Monir claimed that Pankaj Nath’s followers created chaos in the public meeting. ‘At that time, they attacked our activists and Sirajul fell there and died after being taken to the hospital.

Injured Sohag, 29, said that they were working for independent AL candidate Pankaj Nath in Mehendiganj.

‘Today, we came to Barishal from Mehendiganj under the leadership of Pankaj Nath to attend the public meeting of our party leader Sheikh Hasina.’

‘After entering the public rally ground, activists of AL nominated candidate Shammi Ahmed attacked our procession and police charged baton, injuring over a dozen of people,’ he said,

Dr Shammi also spoke in the programme and asked everyone to be united for the victory of prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her party.

Dr Shammi could not be reached for comments.

Barishal Kotwali Police Station officer-in-charge Arichul Haque said that he heard about the incident of the clash.

‘But none complained about it. Legal action will be taken if any complaint is received,’ he said.