Independent Chairman Candidate Killed in Pabna, Election Postponed

The Election Commission has announced the postponement of the election for the post of chairman of Bharara Union in connection with the shooting death of an independent chairman candidate in Pabna.

The election was called off on Saturday (December 11) morning after an independent candidate’s death died as clashes erupted in the union with a boat candidate and supporters of the independent candidate for the post of chairman.

Pabna District Senior Election Officer Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the information.

He said that according to the law of the Election Commission, there is a provision to postpone the election of the concerned post if a legitimate candidate is killed in an election-centric incident.

Pabna Sadar Upazila Election Officer and Returning Officer Kawshar Mohammad said that the Election Commission has been informed by issuing a public notification announcing the postponement of the election for the post of Chairman of Bharara Union Parishad as per Rule 20 (1) (2) of Local Government Union Parishad Election Rules 2010.

Police and locals said Awami League's boat symbol candidate Abu Saeed Khan and his men went out in the Indira Mor Kalurpara area of ​​Chara Battala in Bharara Union on Saturday morning to campaign. Meanwhile, the people of Sultan Mahmud, an independent candidate with a horse symbol, also came out. Another independent candidate, Yasin Alam of the Pineapple symbol (cousin of the horse symbol candidate) gathered at the time and there were chases, clashes and shootings between the the groups. At least 20 people were injured, including 10/12 sustained bullet injuries from each side.

The injured were admitted to Pabna General Hospital. Some of them were shifted to Rajshahi as their condition was critical. Among them, Yasin Alam, an independent candidate for the Pineapple symbol, died after reaching Bonpara in Natore.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, locals staged a sit-in protest against the killings, demanding the arrest and execution of the culprits. The body of Yasin Alam was taken into custody by the police for autopsy. The situation returned to normal in the evening after an hour-long protest, with senior police officials assuring them that the roadblocks would be lifted. At this time the traffic on the main road of the city is closed for about 30 minutes.

Pabna Additional Superintendent of Police Masud Alam said police were investigating the incident. Neither side complained. Further legal action will be taken in case of complaint.