Independent candidate Ashraful Hossen Alom, popularly known as Hero Alom, was attacked and physically assaulted at a polling centre in Banani of the capital this (July 17) afternoon. 

A group of people wearing badges of the 'Boat' symbol attacked Alom when he was visiting the polling centre in Banani's Bidyaniketan School and College grounds around 3:00pm. 

The attackers reportedly shouted at Alom and his fans, saying that this was not the time or place to shoot TikTok videos.

The miscreants started to assault him physically and even dragged him out after he had entered the corridor of the building. They beat him indiscriminately on the street in front of the polling centre.

Later Hero Alom managed to leave the scene by a car.

Earlier today, Alom had alleged that his agents were barred from entering the polling stations and the ruling Awami League activists and leaders had harassed several of them.

He said this while talking to the journalists after visiting the Banani Model School center in the capital.

In response to a question from reporters, he said, "We will decide later whether we will accept the results of the election. But we will stay in the field of voting until the end. We want to see how much they can torture us, how many times they expel our agents, and how much they force ballots to be stamped."

Alom later expressed concern about the fairness of the election.

"However, I'm determined to remain in the electoral race until the end," he said.

BDST: 1659 HRS, JULY 17, 2023
MSK/SMS