CCC polls: 2 killed in election-related violence

A man killed his brother and an intra-party factional feud cost another life within hours of voting commencing in the highly anticipated Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) election on Wednesday, reports UNB.

At Ambagan in the city's Khulshi area, a man was shot dead and five others sustained bullet injuries in a clash between two factions of Awami League centering the election.

The deceased was identified as Alam Mia, 28, son of Sultan Mia of Cumilla district.

Five other people also sustained bullet injuries during the incident.

Witnesses said the supporters of Awami League-backed councilor candidate of No 13 Ambagan ward Mohammad Wasim and Awami League rebel candidate locked into an altercation over the election at Ambagan area during balloting.

At one stage, both groups fired bullets, triggering a chase and counter chase.

Alam along with five others sustained bullet injuries during the incident. Later, they were taken to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital.

Zahirul Islam, in-charge of Chattogram Medical College and Hospital police outpost, said six people with bullet injuries were brought to the hospital and of them, Alam was pronounced dead around 10 am.

In Pahartali, a young man was killed in an attack reportedly by his brother over a dispute centering the election.

The deceased was identified as Nizam Uddin Munna, 35, a resident of Pahartali.

Quoting local people, Rashedul Haque, officer-in-charge of Pahartali Police Station, said Munna was an activist of Pahartali ward unit Chhatra League and a supporter of Awami League rebel candidate Saber Ahmed while his brother Salauddin Quamrul was the supporter of Awami League backed councilor candidate Nurul Amin.

The siblings used to lock into altercations over the election.

On Wednesday morning, a scuffle took place between Munna and Salauddin as Munna wanted to go to polling stations.

At one stage, Salauddin hit Munna with a sharp weapon, leaving him dead on the spot.

On information, police went to the spot and recovered the body.

Police could not arrest anyone as Salauddin managed to flee away.

Voting in the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) election, which was postponed 10 months ago due to Covid-19 pandemic, was held on Wednesday.

Seven mayoral candidates, including Awami League's Rezaul Karim Chowdhury (with 'Boat' symbol) and BNP's Shahadat Hossain (sheaf of paddy), are contesting the polls.