Stabbing, voter intimidation mar Bangladesh's first polls since Hasina downfall
What's the story
The ongoing parliamentary elections in Bangladesh have been marred by incidents of violence, intimidation, and corruption. Over 400 cases of poll-related violence were reported across the country between December and February. The latest incidents of violence were reported in the last 24 hours. Aside from the election, Bangladesh will hold a referendum on the July National Charter 2025, which was developed by the caretaker government and outlines a roadmap for constitutional modifications, legal changes, and the passage of new legislation.
Election misconduct
Army detained 2 BNP activists in Barisal
In Barisal's Babuganj upazila, the army detained two Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists Humayun Gazi and Enayet Kazi, during a routine patrol. The army also recovered 102,000 taka in cash and election slips from their possession. They said they are working professionally and neutrally to maintain peace during the election period.
Violence escalates
Violence reported in Bogura, Khulna
Violence also erupted in Bogura, where Milon Mia, president of the Dhunat Government Degree College unit of the BNP's student wing, was stabbed near a polling center. In the Khulna-5 constituency, local Jamaat leader Dr. Nitya Ranjan Roy allegedly threatened Hindu voters against supporting rival parties. Meanwhile in Old Dhaka, Jamaat leader Md Habib was arrested for allegedly distributing money to voters and sentenced to two days in jail by a mobile court.
Corruption crackdown
Authorities seize cash from vehicle of Krishak Dal leader
Authorities also seized 15 lakh taka from a vehicle belonging to a Krishak Dal leader in Lakshmipur. In Thakurgaon-3, two Jatiya Party leaders were fined 15,000 taka for distributing cash in favor of their party symbol. Joint forces detained a local Jamaat leader with 7.5 lakh taka and a laptop in Shariatpur's Naria upazila. Two crude bombs also exploded near polling centers in Gopalganj.
Security threats
Contest between 2 groups
Nearly 127 million eligible voters are expected to vote in Bangladesh, in a critical test of the country's return to democracy after a student-led rebellion deposed Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The election pits the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), against an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, including the National Citizens Party (NCP), founded by youth activists who helped depose Hasina. Hasina's party Awami League party is not contesting, as it has been banned from all political activities.