But police said it was the fallout of a conflict in the village.
Locals said the deceased, 55-year-old Golam Sikdar, of Maizpara was a supporter of ruling party-backed candidate Nijamuddin Khan.
Golam was present at the spot when supporters of Awami League candidate had an altercation renegade aspirant Billal Hossain on Thursday. Billal’s supporters attacked Nijamuddin’s followers around noon with machetes, knives, iron pipes and sticks, according to locals.
Golam, his son Asim, Jalal Sardar and Tabibar were severely injured. Locals said Golam died on the spot.
Narail Zilla Parishad Member Barkatullah blamed Billal’s supporters for the death.
Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Ilias Hossain said the clash was the result of previous animosity. “It had nothing to do with the upazila election,” he said.
Five people were arrested in connection with the murder, he said.