The Bangladesh Parliamentary polls were marked by sporadic incidents of violence, clashes, and alleged rigging, resulting in a reported 27.15% voter turnout across 42,000 polling stations by 3:00 pm, as per local media reports.
The Election Commission secretary, Jahangir Alam, confirmed the turnout figure during a media briefing reported by The Daily Star.
Tragically, Awami League leader Zillur Rahman was discovered deceased near a polling center in Munshiganj earlier in the day. Rahman, a supporter of AL-nominated candidate Mrinal Kanti Das from Munshiganj-3, was found dead. However, the local police reported no violence at the polling center, stated Munshiganj SP Aslam Khan.
In Chattogram city's Chandgaon area, a clash unfolded between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) members and the police earlier in the day. The clash erupted as BNP demonstrators, blocking roads with burning tires, allegedly hurled stones at the police, leading to retaliation.
Notably, eight candidates across different constituencies boycotted the polls, citing allegations of vote rigging and irregularities.
Additionally, an unfortunate incident involving two crude bomb explosions near a polling center in Hazaribagh near Dhaka resulted in injuries to four individuals, including a child.
Moreover, voting in Narsingdi-4 (Monohardi-Belabo) was canceled due to reported allegations of ballot stuffing.
The polling, which commenced at 8:00 am local time across numerous polling centers, was scheduled to continue until 4:00 pm local time.
The Election Commission reported 1,970 candidates contesting for 299 parliamentary constituencies. Among them, 1,534 candidates represent political parties, while 436 are running independently. One seat will have elections held later due to the demise of an independent candidate.
Meanwhile, the BNP called for a 48-hour nationwide general strike starting Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Despite the main opposition BNP boycotting the polls, Prime Minister Hasina appears poised for a fourth consecutive term in office.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Bangladesh Polls Marred by Sporadic Violence: 18.5% Turnout Reported Until 12:10 PM
ALSO READ | IDF Announces Successful Dismantling of Hamas Military Infrastructure in Northern Gaza
