2 killed in UP election violence in Bhola, Barishal

At least two people were killed in separate violence during Union Parishad election in Bhola and Barishal on Monday.

The deceased in Barishal was Mouje Ali Mia, 68, of Khanjapur under Gournadi upazila in the district while the deceased in Bhola was Munir Majhi, 25, son of Bashir Shikder of Hajirganj under Charfashion upazila in Bhola district.

New Age correspondent in Barishal, quoting Khanjapur union parishad election’s returning officer Mamunur Rahman said that Mouje died during a clash between supporters of two member candidates – Motu Hawlader and Firoz Mridha at Kamlapur Government Primary School Polling Centre at about 11:45am.

He said that an underaged boy was detained at the polling station on allegation of a polling agent of Montu when the boy tried to cast a fake vote and, as the news spread outside, supporters of both the candidates locked in a clash and hurled bombs to each other outside the polling centre.

Mouje Ali was critically injured as he receive splinters of a bomb during the clash.

Villagers said that Mouje was rushed to the Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared that he was brought dead.

Mamunur Rahman said that they were compelled to suspend the polling for an hour until 1:00pm.

In Bhola, Munir was killed in a clash between the supporters of two member candidates during voting at Hajirganj Union Parishad in Charfashion upazila of Bhola district on Monday, United News of Bangladesh reported.

Mohammad Kaisar, superintendent of Bhola Police, said the clash broke out between the supporters of two member candidates -- Yasin Majhi and Ruhul Amin—in Charfakira area at about 11:00am.

There was a chase and counter chase during the clash.

At one stage, they exchanged gunshots, leaving Monir Majhi injured. He was taken to a local hospital where doctors declared him dead, said the SP.

Police fired shots in the air to bring the situation under control.

Besides, 10 people were injured in sporadic clashes at different polling stations.

‘Voting at 12 Union Parishads is underway almost peacefully,’ said district election officer Alauddin Al Mamun.

The voting began at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm at 141 centres.

Huge voters thronged the polling centers braving rains to cast their votes.

People at different centres were seen casting votes ignoring Covid safety protocols.

Twenty-five chairman candidates, 401 member contenders, 112 female candidates (reserved seats) are contesting the election.

BGB, Ansar and Coast Guard personnel alongside police are performing election duties to maintain the law and order.

News courtesy- https://www.newagebd.net/article/141440/2-killed-in-up-election-violence-in-bhola-barishal