No Polling Day Deaths in Election Violence in 35 Years

Polling day of the 13th Jatiya Sangshad election passed without a single fatality from electoral violence, marking the first such instance since 1991.

Although no deaths were linked to violence, at least seven people died in and around polling centres across the country during Thursday’s election and referendum, most reportedly due to natural causes.

Among them was Md Mujahidul Islam, 50, a polling officer in Brahmanbaria, who died while on duty.

In Khulna, Mahibuzzaman Kochi, a former BNP leader, died after a scuffle at a polling centre. BNP leaders alleged he was pushed during an altercation, while Jamaat representatives denied the claim. Officials said the incident was not related to electoral violence.

The remaining victims were voters.

Five people reportedly fell ill at or near polling centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, Gaibandha, Kishoreganj and Manikganj.

In Dhaka’s Jatrabari area, Ali Abu Sayeed Sarker, 53, collapsed at a polling centre and was later declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

In Chattogram, Md Monu Mia, 62, fell sick at a centre in Kazir Dewri and later died.

In Gaibandha and Manikganj, two elderly voters, Bashed Ali and Babu Mia, collapsed after casting or attempting to cast their ballots and were declared dead upon arrival at hospital.

In Bhairab of Kishoreganj, 67-year-old Razzak Mia fell ill after arriving at his designated polling centre and later died.