The recent Bangladesh parliamentary elections were marked by several incidents of violence, clashes, and alleged rigging, leading to a notably low voter turnout of around 18.5% across 42,000 polling stations by midday.
Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam reported the turnout figure during a press conference, acknowledging the low numbers but expressing hopes for an increase as the day progresses. However, irregularities and incidents of violence have been reported from various places across the country, with clashes between opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) members and police in Chattogram city's Chandgaon area and voting disruptions in Narsingdi-4 (Monohardi-Belabo) due to alleged ballot stuffing.
Tragically, an Awami League supporter was found dead near a polling center in Munshiganj. While the circumstances around this death are unclear, the local authorities confirmed the incident without reports of violence at the polling center.
Additionally, reports surfaced about extremely low voter counts at certain polling stations, with one station in Dhaka recording only 175 votes and two centers not recording any votes at all.
Despite the challenges and controversies, voting took place at over 42,000 polling centers and was scheduled to continue until 4:00 p.m. local time. The election featured 1,970 candidates vying for 299 parliamentary constituencies, including representatives from political parties and independents.
Notably, the BNP had called for a 48-hour nationwide general strike ahead of the elections, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, despite the BNP boycotting the polls, Hasina is anticipated to secure her fourth consecutive term in office as Prime Minister.
(With Agency Inputs)
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