One person was killed, and 25 others were injured in a clash between two factions of the Awami League ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rally in Barishal on Friday.
Siraj Sikder, 55, was killed on the spot. The injured were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital.
The clash broke out between the two groups- supporters of AL-nominated candidate Shammi Ahmed and Pankaj Debnath- incumbent MP of Barishal-4 constituency who is running as an independent, at the entrance of the rally venue.
The deceased Siraj Sikder was president of Guabaria Union Krishak League of Hizla upazila. Both sides claimed that Siraj Sikder was their campaigner.
The clash was still ongoing when Sheikh Hasina got on the stage.
According to witnesses, a large number of supporters of Pankaj Debnath, independent candidate of Barisal-4 constituency, came to Bangabandhu Uddyan around 3:30pm. The followers of AL's International Affairs Secretary Dr Shammi Ahmed, were already there.
Shammi is currently fighting a legal battle in the High Court to get back her nomination that was scrapped by the Election Commission on the grounds of dual citizenship.
MP Pankaj said that he came to Barishal by launch with the Prime Minister to join the public meeting.
"My workers and supporters were attacked when they were entering the meeting ground. Siraj Sikder has been my worker since the beginning and has been working for the eagle symbol in the election," he said.
Claiming that the attack was pre-planned, Pankaj said, "They were ready at the entrance knowing that my supporters would come. As soon as they entered, they carried out the attack, one person was killed, and several others were injured."
Dr Shammi Ahmed did not respond to repeated calls seeking comment.
Her campaigner, Syed Munir, a member of the AL's international affairs sub-committee, said, "Siraj Sikder was our activist. He came to Barishal with Hizla Upazila Awami League President Tipu Sultan. Our people, including Siraj Sikder, were attacked when they were about to enter the rally venue, and he died on the spot."
Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital's emergency department doctor Kamruzzaman Tuhin said, "Siraj Sikder was brought dead to the hospital. Initially, we thought he died of a heart attack. It is not possible to say anything in detail without an autopsy."
