At least 18 killed and over 200 injured in 2018 poll violence; two deaths reported in January 2024 election
Representational image. Photo: Collected
“>
Representational image. Photo: Collected
Seven people, including a BNP leader in Khulna and a polling officer in Brahmanbaria, died today in separate incidents linked to polling, involving illness and disputes between rival parties.
In Khulna, Mahfuzzzaman Kochi, former office secretary of Khulna Metropolitan BNP, died outside the Alia Madrasa polling centre around 8:10am amid a reported scuffle between BNP and Jamaat supporters.
Former BNP organising secretary Yusuf Harun Majnu claimed the madrasa principal, allegedly campaigning for Jamaat, pushed Kochi, causing him to hit a tree and die on the spot.
Mahbubur Rahman, Jamaat centre director, denied the allegation, saying Kochi fell ill without any assault and that BNP activists were forcing female workers out of the station. He added that CCTV footage would clarify the incident.
Presiding Officer Saiful Islam and Sub-Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi said the scuffle was not witnessed and police quickly restored order.
Emergency Medical Officer Dr Partha Roy confirmed Kochi was brought dead to Khulna City Medical College Hospital with no visible injuries.
BNP candidate for Khulna-2, Nazrul Islam Manju, demanded arrests, while Jamaat chief agent Sheikh Jahangir Alam said Kochi died of a heart attack.
In Brahmanbaria, polling officer Mujahidul Islam, 48, collapsed at the Nazrul Islam Auditorium centre in Sarail upazila and was pronounced dead at Sarail Upazila Health Complex. Preliminary findings suggest a stroke-related death, according to Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Mohammad Nizam Uddin.
In Chattogram, 63-year-old voter Monu Mia died after collapsing in line at Kazir Dewri Boys High School polling centre; relatives suspect diabetes-related complications.
In Satkhira, 65-year-old Anath Ghosh fell ill on the way to Machhimara Primary School centre in Tala upazila and was declared dead at the Upazila Health Complex.
In Kishoreganj, Razzak Mia reportedly died while being chased by law enforcement near Aghanagar Dakshinpara Government Primary School polling centre.
In Manikganj, 70-year-old Babu Mia died at Mahadebpur Government Primary School centre in Shibaloy upazila.
In Gaibandha, 60-year-old Bacher Chowdhury fell ill after voting at Osmanerpara Government Primary School in Saghata upazila and died en route to the health complex.
Earlier, during the January 2024 election, Zillur Rahman, a supporter of the Awami League candidate in Munshiganj-3, was stabbed to death, while in Cumilla-4, AL supporter Noab Ali was found dead near a polling centre.
In the 2018 election, at least 18 people were killed and over 200 injured in clashes between rival party supporters, making it one of the deadliest polls in Bangladesh.
About The Author
