Two people sustained bullet injuries as a clash erupted between supporters of two candidates in the Cumilla City Corporation by-polls on Saturday (9 March).
The injured individuals, Tuhin Hossain and Jahir Ahmed, were admitted to Cumilla Medical College and Hospital.
Local Chhatra League leader Sumon allegedly opened fire during the clash, which occurred around 10:30 am outside the Munshi M Ali High School polling station.
According to locals, the shooting ensued between supporters of the bus and horse symbols. Two supporters of the horse symbol were struck by bullets in their legs as Sumon opened fire during the clash.
Hasan Ahmed Kamrul, the on-duty Presiding Officer of the polling center, said the incident occurred outside the polling station.
"The incident was reported to the magistrate, and the situation returned to normal after a police strike force reached the spot," said Kamrul.
Returning Officer Forhad Hossain said law enforcement agencies have been informed of the incident and will take necessary steps.
Meanwhile, Noor Ur Rahman Mahmud Tanim, who is contesting the polls with elephant symbol, expressed concern that his agents were prevented from entering polling stations.
He voiced these grievances to journalists after casting his vote at the Comilla Victoria Collegiate School polling station around 9am.
Tanim said, “Agents supporting the bus symbol obstructed my election agents from entering since 7am and forcefully removed them. There have been reports of voter intimidation and assaults, particularly targeting women voters.”
Furthermore, Tanim alleged, “There are reports of armed individuals positioned at intersections near polling stations, preventing identified voters from reaching the polling sites. Since last night, my supporters have faced attacks in their residences.”
Tanim urged the Election Commission to investigate these matters, saying, “I appeal to the Election Commission to address these concerns promptly.”
By-polls are underway in Cumilla and Mymensingh City Corporations since 8am this morning. The ruling Awami League is not officially participating in the elections while the BNP has boycotted the polls.
However, four leaders of ruling Awami League are running for mayoral post in Mymensingh and two leaders in Cumilla as independents. On the other hand, two expelled leaders of BNP are vying for the post of mayor in Cumilla.
