AL, BNP men lock in clash during Ishraque’s campaign

Awami League and BNP leaders and activists locked into a clash at Gopibagh area in the capital on Sunday when BNP nominated mayoral candidate Ishraque Hossain reached there to campaign in favour of his symbol ‘sheaf of paddy’.

Ishraque and his supporters were allegedly attacked on their way to Gopibag from Motijheel around 1pm on Sunday.

Later, the two sides fought pitched battle lasting for about 30 minutes until police intervened.

Ishraque took shelter at his Gopibagh’s residence.

Ishraque, in an instant reaction said miscreants attacked their peaceful electioneering.

The mayor candidate claimed that seven to eight of his people were injured in the attack.

“We’ll leter hold a press briefing in this regard,” he added.

Last week, BNP’s mayoral candidate of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Tabith Awal was also attacked during electioneering at Gabtoli. BNP activists accused ruling Awami League-backed councilor candidate for the incident.