30 injured in clashes in Nilphamari

In Ward No. 3 in Sholmari union, Shafiqul Islam and Belal Hossain contested to be a 'gonnya mannya bakti' (elite), a post in the Gram Sarker.

Shafiqul got 213 votes and Belal got 211 in the polls conducted by Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad ali, who represented the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)

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Being defeated, Belal demanded recounting of votes, only to be opposed by his opponents and his supporters. The two then exchanged words, and abused each other, but the matter could not be settled.

They were then locked in a dual, and were joined by their supporters.

Twenty-four people including the two were injured.

A 'gram police' tried to stop the clash but was beaten also. His name could not be known. All the injured were given first aid at a local medical centre.

A case has been lodged with Jaldhaka police accusing nine persons.

On the same day, five others were injured in ward No. 1 in Sholmari union during formation of Gram Sarkar.

Two persons Mobaidul Islam and Mobarrak Hossen contested for the some post.

After voting, defeated candidate Mobaidul attacked his opponent, ensuing a clash between supporters of the two. The two candidates and three others were injured.