Pabna, Jan 25 (V7N) — Allegations have surfaced that supporters of an independent candidate contesting from the Pabna-3 constituency faced obstruction during election campaigning, while the candidate’s elder son was physically assaulted in Chatmohar upazila.

The incident took place around 4:00 pm on Saturday (January 24) at Failjana Bazar under Failjana Union. Police later visited the scene following the incident. The injured individual, KM Monwarul Islam Shafi, son of independent candidate KM Anwarul Islam, was admitted to the Chatmohar Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

According to eyewitnesses and the injured person, KM Monwarul Islam Shafi was distributing leaflets bearing the horse symbol along with party activists and supporters in the market area when a group of 20 to 25 people allegedly led by local Union Parishad member Lokman Hossain and Jubo Dal leader Mamun obstructed the campaign activities. Lokman Hossain is reportedly an accused in a vandalism case involving the Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank at Failjana.

The group allegedly declared that no campaign other than for the sheaf of paddy symbol would be allowed in the area. At one stage, they reportedly assaulted the candidate’s son, snatched his mobile phone, and smashed it. Upon receiving information, Sub-Inspector Abdul Khalek of Sharatganj Police Outpost arrived at the scene with police personnel and brought the situation under control.

Independent candidate KM Anwarul Islam stated that the matter has been reported to the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, and the police.

Responding to the allegations, former UP member Lokman Hossain claimed that the candidate’s son entered the area and introduced himself as a local BNP candidate while campaigning. He said local BNP supporters objected to this claim, leading to a verbal dispute and a minor scuffle, and denied any serious incident.

Chatmohar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Sarwar Hossain said police are aware of the incident but have not yet received any formal complaint. He added that legal action would be taken after investigation if a written complaint is filed.

Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury confirmed that he was verbally informed of the matter and that the concerned party has assured to submit a written complaint, after which legal measures will be taken.

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