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ElectionViolence – Voting across Bangladesh was disrupted by violence on Thursday, with clashes reported at several polling centres and at least one political leader confirmed dead as ballots were being cast.

The incidents, which unfolded within hours of polling stations opening, underscored mounting political tensions and growing concerns over public safety during the high-stakes parliamentary elections.

Fatal Clash at Khulna Polling Centre

In the southwestern district of Khulna, a local leader affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party lost his life following a confrontation at the Alia Madrasa polling station. The deceased, Mohibuzzaman Kochi, was reportedly involved in a dispute between supporters of the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami.

According to accounts published by the Bengali daily Jugantor, tensions began building near the Alia Madrasa Academic Building earlier in the morning. Witnesses described heated exchanges between rival political supporters before the situation escalated.

Yusuf Harun Majnu, a former organising secretary of the Khulna Sadar unit of the BNP, alleged that the confrontation turned physical after Kochi objected to what he described as political campaigning by the madrasa’s principal in favour of Jamaat-e-Islami. Majnu claimed Kochi was pushed during the altercation, causing him to fall and suffer a fatal head injury after striking a nearby tree.

Local law enforcement confirmed that officers intervened once the dispute intensified. Sub-Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi of Khulna Sadar Police Station stated that police personnel moved swiftly to separate the groups when the clash broke out.

Kochi was transported to Khulna City Medical College Hospital, where emergency medical officials later declared him dead on arrival.

Bomb Attack Injures Three in Gopalganj

Elsewhere, violence also disrupted voting in Gopalganj district. A crude explosive device, commonly referred to locally as a cocktail bomb, was thrown near the Reshma International School polling station in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila.

Police officials on duty at the centre said voting had been proceeding without incident when the explosion occurred outside the premises. The device was reportedly hurled from across a canal adjacent to the polling station.

The blast injured two members of the Ansar, a paramilitary auxiliary force deployed to assist with election security, as well as a child who had accompanied a voter to the centre. The sudden explosion caused panic among voters, though authorities said polling activities continued under tightened security.

Allegations of Obstruction and Attacks

Amid the unrest, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders accused rival groups of targeting their supporters and obstructing participation in several constituencies.

At a press briefing held on Thursday morning, Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair alleged that party workers and polling agents faced intimidation and physical attacks in different regions. His remarks were reported by the Bengali business daily Bonik Barta.

Zubair cited incidents in Barisal and the Bhola-2 constituency, where he claimed party members were assaulted. He also referred to reported disruptions in Comilla-8 and Hatia in Noakhali district, alleging that voters were prevented from reaching polling stations in some areas.

He said the party had formally informed the Election Commission and administrative authorities, urging them to take corrective action and ensure neutrality in handling complaints.

Heightened Tensions Around National Vote

Thursday’s developments reflect the fragile security climate surrounding Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections. Political rivalry between major parties has intensified in recent weeks, with opposition groups voicing concerns over fairness and transparency in the electoral process.

While authorities have deployed additional security personnel nationwide, sporadic incidents of violence have continued to surface throughout the day. Election officials have not yet released a consolidated statement addressing all reported disturbances.

As counting preparations begin in various districts, attention is likely to remain focused on both voter turnout and the overall conduct of the polls. Observers say maintaining order in the aftermath of voting will be critical to preserving public confidence in the electoral system.