Ind. runners' workers hurt in attacks by AL in 2 Rajshahi seats

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Rajshahi, Dec 22 --- Five supporters of independent candidates of Rajshahi-4 and Rajshahi-6 constituencies have been injured in attacks by supporters of AL candidates in the last two days.

Police have detained two people in connection with the attack on Rajshahi-6 independent candidate Rahenul Haque's supporters.

In Rajshahi-4, supporters of Awami League candidate Abul Kalam Azad and Goalkandi Union Parishad Chairman Alamgir Sarker led the attack on Enamul Haque's personal assistant Ataur Rahman, Golam Mandal, Ayub Ali and Sharif Uddin.

According to witnesses, Enamul Haque's personal assistant Ataur Rahman and other supporters were putting up scissors marker posters while they were attacked on Friday.

Led by Goalkandi Union Chairman Alamgir Sarkar and his son Shaon, more than 50 cadres with pistols and iron rods carried out the attack on Enamul Haque's personal assistant Ataur Rahman and others, they said.

 Enamul Haque said that Awami League candidate Abul Kalam Azad has become desperate after getting the nomination. 

"Kalam's cadres are attacking my leaders and activists one after another. If this continues, there will be apprehension about the general voters participating in polls," he said.

 Bagmara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Arbinda Sarkar said additional members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across the upazila. Legal action will be taken if complaints are received, he said.

Meanwhile, locals rescued a supporter of Rajshahi-6 independent candidate Rahenul Haque and admitted him to Charghat Upazila Complex. 

The victim's brother Ujir Uddin filed a case with Charghat Model Police Station on the night of the incident, naming seven people.

Confirming the incident, Charghat Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASM Siddiqur Rahman said Nazir Hossain, an activist of independent candidate Rahenul Haque, was returning home after campaigning on Thursday night.

Independent candidate Rahenul Haque said, "In addition to inhuman beating on my worker, vandalizing campaign vehicles and offices in Shalua, threatening them about going to the polling center if they do not vote for the boat symbol in Palashbari, they are intimidating the workers."

Faisal Hossain Don, the 6th accused in the case, and Bappi, the 7th accused in the case, have already been arrested, the OC added.

Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sayeeda Khanam said, "We have received written complaints on various allegations, including vandalism of the office of an independent candidate. Necessary action will be taken after investigation." - UNB