The district BNP leaders have expressed concern over the March 6 by-election to Sujanagar Upazila Parishad, alleging threat by ruling Awami League (AL) men and partial role of the local administration and police.

"A group of Awami League men attacked BNP leaders and activists in the municipality area during campaign for BNP nominated chairman candidate Hazari Jakir Hossain on Tuesday afternoon, leaving five of our leaders and activists injured," Pabna district unit BNP Secretary Habibur Rahman Tota told a press conference at Pabna Press Club yesterday.

A couple of days ago, AL men foiled the campaign of Zakir Hossain, also president of upazila BNP, in Sagarkandi area, alleged Masud Khandaker, joint secretary of district BNP.

“Earlier, the ruling party men attacked the house of Sujanagar municipality BNP Secretary Kamal Biswas and created pressure on Zakir Hossain to withdraw his nomination paper.

"After the incidents, we went to police to file cases but they did not accept our cases. We are worried about peaceful election amid continuous threat by the ruling party men and partial role of local administration, ” he said.

The BNP leaders urged the Election Commission to take steps for ensuring free and fair election in Sujanagar Upazila Parishad byelection.

Contacted, AL nominated chairman candidate Abdul Kader Rokon refuted the allegation of attacks on the BNP leaders and activists by his party men.

Md Obaidur Rahman, officer in charge of Sujanagar Police Station, said, "When there is any information of attacks, police rush to the spot. But BNP men did not file any case. We are ready to maintain peace for holding a free and fair election.”