In Munshiganj Sadar Upazila, a supporter of the candidate nominated by the Awami League has been shot dead allegedly by supporters of an independent candidate. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm on Wednesday in Munsikandi village of Mollakandi union of the upazila.
The name of the deceased is Dalim Sarkar (35). He is the son of Noor Hussain Sarkar of Munsikandi village. It is alleged that the firing was led by Shipon Hussain, younger brother of Mollakandi Union Council (UP) president Ripon Hussain Patwari, who was a supporter of the independent candidate from the seat.
Mrinal Kanti Das is the candidate from Munshiganj-3 constituency, serving as the Liberation War Affairs Secretary of the Central Awami League. His political background is important as he has been a member of Parliament twice.
On the other hand, district Awami League member Mohammad Faisal is contesting as an independent candidate with ‘Scissors’ election symbol. Faisal’s father is the District Awami League President and Faisal himself has been the Mayor of Munshiganj Municipality twice.
Since the allotment of symbols, at least 18 incidents of attacks, clashes, firing and vandalism of campaign camps have been recorded between these two parties in the constituency. As a result, five cases have been registered in Munshiganj and four in Gajaria involving both the parties involved in these incidents.
Munshiganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Khairul Hasan confirmed that Dalim Sarkar was declared dead on arrival in Dhaka with visible gunshot wounds. Speaking to Prothom Alo on Thursday morning, he said, ‘Based on initial information, there was a long-running dispute between the attackers and Dalim. However, individuals associated with politics suggest that the incident may be linked to the ongoing elections.
According to both police and local sources, at around 12:00 am, Dalim, Sohail and others were sitting in a shop next to the Awami League campaign camp in Munsikandi village. A group of about 10 persons led by Shipon and Sohag, supporters of UP president Ripon Hussain’s brother and independent candidate, attacked the Awami League camp. After this, they entered the shop, abused Dalim and assaulted Sohail. Eventually, they shot Dalim and Sohail with guns. Dalim sustained injuries and was immediately rescued and taken to Munshiganj General Hospital.
Mohammad Sohag, working in the emergency department of Munshiganj General Hospital, said that two injured persons were brought to the hospital at around 1:30 in the night. One of the victims, Dalim, was shot in the left rib. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Efforts to contact UP Chairman Ripon Hussain were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. Similarly, his brother Sipon Hussain was reported to have fled the area.
Additional Superintendent of Police Khairul Hasan assured that additional police forces have been deployed in the area, ensuring that the situation is under control. The Superintendent of Police in Munshiganj visited the spot and the police are actively conducting operations to nab those involved in the incident.