19 February 2003 The Independent

Terrorists attack minorities, loot shops in Chandpur

UNB, Chandpur

Feb 18: Armed terrorists plundered about a dozen shops of the minority community at Shachar Bazar and injured 25 people in a post-poll violence today.

The victims alleged that musclemen of BNP backed chairman candidate in Monday’s election to Shachar UP launched the attack on them accusing that they were responsible for the election debacle of BNP candidate. Jamaat candidate won the election.

The terrorists also entered a temple and ransacked it, it was alleged.

Of the injured Samir (37), Pintu (45), Jagadish (50), Nantu (45) and Bipul (30) were admitted to Gouripur health complex.

DC Abdur Rab Howlader, SP Abul Kashem Bepari and other senior officials rushed to the spot and held out assurance to the minority families of their security. Additional police were deployed in the area.

In another incident, a group of terrorists attempted to snatch ballot boxes from election officials of Chowmuhuni Madrasha centre when they were returning to the election office at 8pm Monday after counting votes. Police accompanying the officials fired 11 shots in the air to keep the terrorists away.