Dhaka: For the first time in 35 years, no fatalities were reported due to electoral violence on polling day of the 13th Jatiya Sangshad election, which took place on Thursday. This marks a significant milestone since 1991, where such an event has passed without any deaths linked to electoral violence.
According to United News of Bangladesh, although no one was killed due to election-related violence, at least seven individuals died in and around polling centers across the country on election day, predominantly due to natural causes. Among the deceased was Md Mujahidul Islam, a 50-year-old polling officer who died while on duty in Brahmanbaria.
In Khulna, Mahibuzzaman Kochi, a former BNP leader, passed away following a scuffle at a polling center. BNP leaders alleged that he was pushed during an altercation, a claim denied by Jamaat representatives. Officials confirmed that this incident was not linked to electoral violence.
The remaining individuals who died were voters. Five of them reportedly fell ill at or near polling centers located in Dhaka, Chattogram, Gaibandha, Kishoreganj, and Manikganj. In Dhaka, 53-year-old Ali Abu Sayeed Sarker collapsed at a polling center in Jatrabari and was later declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
In Chattogram, 62-year-old Md Monu Mia became ill at a center in Kazir Dewri and subsequently passed away. In Gaibandha and Manikganj, two elderly voters, Bashed Ali and Babu Mia, collapsed after casting or attempting to cast their ballots and were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. In Bhairab of Kishoreganj, 67-year-old Razzak Mia fell sick and died after arriving at his designated polling center to vote.