Bangladesh election violence: Bomb blasts, BNP leader killed in pre-poll clashes
Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): Reports of widespread violence and chaos are emerging as voting for the general elections in Bangladesh continues. This festival of democracy has been overshadowed by violence. Improvised bomb blasts have been reported at two polling stations in different parts of the country, creating panic among voters. Meanwhile, a leader of the opposition BNP was killed during a violent clash between two groups in Khulna.
A BNP leader was killed in a clash over seeking votes
The most tragic incident occurred in Khulna Sadar. According to a BBC Bangla report, a heated argument broke out between two groups over seeking votes at the Aliya Madrasa polling booth on Thursday morning. The argument quickly escalated into a scuffle. During the altercation, Mohibuzzaman Kochi, former office secretary and leader of the Khulna Metropolitan BNP, died. Local BNP leaders alleged that Kochi's health deteriorated after he was pushed by an opposing group. KMP Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan confirmed the incident, saying the leader fell ill after the clash and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Bombing at polling booth in Gopalganj, 3 injured including a girl
The second major incident of violence occurred in Gopalganj. According to the Daily Star, a crude bomb exploded at the Reshma International School polling station in the Nichupara area around 9 a.m. The blast injured two Ansar soldiers, Sukanto Majumdar and Jamal Mollah, who were on duty. A 13-year-old girl, Amena Khanam, was also injured. However, police said all three suffered minor injuries. Presiding officer Zahirul Islam said the blast was loud, but security forces quickly brought the situation under control and the voting process was not disrupted. Security at the center has been increased following the incident.
Election process also rocked in Munshiganj
According to the Dhaka Tribune, the violence also spread to Munshiganj. A crude bomb exploded at Makhati Gurucharan High School in Mollakandi Union, Sadar Upazila, around 11 a.m. Police station in-charge Mohammad Mominul Islam said the incident occurred during a clash between supporters of BNP-backed candidate Kamaruzzaman and independent candidate Mohiuddin. Tensions had been building between the two groups since morning, which later escalated into the bombing. Police are currently trying to control the situation.