At least four people were killed and many others injured in clashes between the supporters of rival candidates in Narsingdi and Cox’s Bazar centering the second phase union parishad (UP) polls that began on Thursday morning.

Of the deceased, three were killed in Raipura Upazila of Narsingdi while one was killed in Cox’s Bazar.  

The deceased of Raipura of Narsingdi were identified as Salah Uddin Miah, 45, resident of Baluakandi village of Banshgari Union, Jahangir Miah, 18, son of Haq Miah of Subanpur village, and Dulal Miah, 22, son of Haji Siraj Miah of Battalikandi village.

According to locals, a chase and counter-chase between the followers of Ashraful Haque Sarker of Boat symbol and independent candidate Ratul Hassan Jakir of Mobile Phone symbol took place on Wednesday evening.

They locked into several clashes during overnight leaving Jakir's supporters Salahuddin and Jahangir Miah and Ashraful's man Dulal Miah dead.

Raipura Police Station OC Azizur Rahman also said the clashes and exchange of fire between the two groups left the people dead.

Additional members of police were deployed in the area to take the situation under control, the OC said.

In Khurusjkul UP election of Cox’s Bazar, a man has been shot dead and six injured in clashes between two member candidates.

The incident took place in Tetoia area of the union on Thursday morning.

The deceased was identified as Akhtaruzzaman, 35, younger brother of running member Sheikh Kamal.

Following the incident, returning officer has postponed voting of the union, said Cox’s Bazar RAB-15 Commander Major Mehedi Hasan.

According to locals, supporters of member candidate Babul were trying to seal on ballot papers illegally. Akhtaruzzaman opposed them to do those.

Akhtaruzzaman was chopped and shot by rivals, they said, adding he was immediately taken to Cox’s Bazar  Sadar Hospital where duty doctors declared him dead.

The second phase of Union Parishad (UP) polls began on Thursday morning amid tight security measures.

The polling began at 8:00am and will continue till 4:00pm today in 835 UPs across the country. Election to 20 UPs are being held through EVMs while the rest through traditional ballot papers.