ibn sultan
Dhaka, Feb 12: Violence broke out at several polling stations across Bangladesh on Thursday during the ongoing parliamentary elections, leaving a BNP leader dead and several others injured, local media reported.
Mohibuzzaman Kochi, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), died following clashes at the Alia Madrasa polling station in Khulna district.
According to eyewitnesses and police, tensions flared between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters shortly after voting began. BNP leaders alleged that Kochi was pushed during an altercation, causing him to hit his head. He was later declared brought dead at Khulna City Medical College Hospital.
Police said they intervened promptly to control the situation and disperse the rival groups.
In a separate incident, a cocktail bomb was hurled outside a polling station at Reshma International School in Gopalganj district, injuring two on-duty Ansar personnel and a child accompanying a voter. The blast triggered panic among voters, though polling continued.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami alleged that its leaders and supporters were attacked and prevented from casting their votes in several constituencies, including Barisal, Bhola, Comilla, and Noakhali. Party leaders urged the Election Commission and authorities to ensure neutrality and take action against those responsible.
The high-stakes parliamentary elections are being held amid heightened political tensions and security concerns, with multiple parties questioning the fairness of the process.
