Bangladesh Polling Day Marred by Violence: Bombs Blast, Leader Dies
In a disturbing turn of events, Bangladesh's electoral process was disrupted on Thursday by violent incidents, including crude bomb explosions and a tragic death. Officials reported that a crude bomb detonated at a polling centre in Gopalganj Sadar, causing injuries and damage during voting hours.
Explosion at Reshma International School Polling Centre
The blast occurred around 9 am local time at the Reshma International School polling centre in Sadar upazila, Gopalganj. According to authorities, the explosion injured two security personnel and a child, while also damaging the main gate of the facility. The injured were identified as Ansar member Sukontha Majumdar, Section Commander Jamal Hossain, who was on duty at the site, and a 13-year-old child, Amena Khanam, who had accompanied a voter.
Sub-Inspector Jahidul Islam, stationed at the polling centre, provided details of the incident. He confirmed that voting was proceeding peacefully when miscreants threw a cocktail bomb at the facility from across a nearby canal. "Evidence was collected from the site, and higher authorities were notified," he stated, adding that the situation remains under control despite the attack.
Separate Bomb Blast in Munshiganj
In a related incident, another crude bomb exploded at Makhati Gurucharan High School in Mollakandi Union of Sadar upazila, Munshiganj. Officials cited by the Dhaka Tribune reported that the blast was followed by a brief chase between rival supporters. The incident occurred around 11.00 am local time on Thursday.
Munshiganj Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge Md Mominul Islam confirmed the involvement of supporters from two political factions. "Supporters of BNP-backed candidate Kamruzzaman (Sheaf of Paddy symbol) and independent candidate Mohiuddin were involved," he said, though he could not confirm if anyone was injured in this separate blast.
Death of BNP Leader in Khulna
Meanwhile, a somber incident unfolded in Khulna, where BNP Metropolitan leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi, 60, died on Thursday morning while attempting to cast his vote. The tragedy occurred around 9 am at the Khulna Alia Madrasa polling centre, as confirmed by police and party sources.
Kochi, a former office secretary of Khulna Metropolitan BNP, reportedly fell and hit his head after a scuffle with members of a rival party inside the polling centre. He was rushed to a private medical college hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Metropolitan BNP media cell convener Mizanur Rahman provided additional context, noting that Kochi had been suffering from heart disease. According to the party, tension escalated at the centre when Alia Madrasa principal Abdur Rahim, campaigning for Jamaat, was stopped by Kochi, leading to the confrontation.
Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Masudur Rahman described it as a minor incident and assured that law enforcement personnel were immediately deployed to manage the situation. Voting at the centre continued despite the tragic event.
These incidents highlight the challenges and tensions surrounding Bangladesh's electoral process, raising concerns about security and political stability during voting operations.
