Khulna: Mahibuzzaman Kochi, a former BNP leader, died amid tension and scuffles at Alia Madrasha polling centre in Khulna city on Thursday morning. The deceased, Kochi, was the former office secretary of Khulna Metropolitan BNP and resided on Haji Mohsin Road by-lane in the city.
According to United News of Bangladesh, witnesses reported that tensions escalated between BNP and Jamaat supporters near the academic building of the centre around 8:00 am. Yusuf Harun Majnu, former organising secretary of BNP in Khulna Sadar, stated that tension had been present since morning. He claimed that the principal of Alia Madrasha was campaigning for Jamaat, and when attempts were made to stop him, he allegedly pushed Mahibuzzaman Kochi, causing him to hit his head on a tree, resulting in his death.
Mahbubur Rahman, Jamaat’s centre coordinator, provided a different account, stating that their female workers were being removed by BNP supporters. He intervened, and subsequently, one person fell ill, later learning of his death. Rahman emphasized that there was no pushing or fighting, suggesting that the madrasha’s CCTV footage would reveal the truth.
Presiding officer Saiful Islam explained that the incident took place outside the polling centre and was beyond his responsibility. SI Khan Foysal Rafi of Khulna Sadar mentioned that as soon as tensions arose, they reached the scene and removed both sides. He noted seeing one person being taken away in a CNG.
Dr. Partha Roy, emergency medical officer at Khulna City Medical College Hospital, confirmed that Kochi was brought dead to the hospital with no signs of injury on his body. This has led to differing opinions regarding the cause of death.
BNP candidate for Khulna-2, Nazrul Islam Manju, alleged that Kochi was killed by a push from a Jamaat leader at Alia Madrasha and demanded the arrest of the principal and Jamaat leader Mahbub. In contrast, Sheikh Jahangir Alam, chief agent of Jamaat’s candidate in Khulna-2, claimed that Kochi died of a heart attack, expressing regret that Jamaat was being implicated in the incident. He also stated that the principal was not affiliated with Jamaat.