Violence Erupts in Bangladesh as Polling Stations Targeted Before Election Day
At least 14 polling stations, a commuter train, and a Buddhist temple have been set on fire in Bangladesh just a day before the upcoming election. The attacks come amid tensions as most opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are boycotting the election, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is poised to secure a fourth consecutive term.
On Friday, a commuter train fire killed four passengers, leading to the arrest of Nabiullah Nabi, a prominent BNP politician, and six party activists. Eight people are critically injured, according to Dhaka hospital. Reports also mention the torching of a Buddhist temple in Chittagong and an attack on a local Awami League office.
The BNP has called for a nationwide two-day strike and urged voters to boycott the poll. In response, the ruling Awami League accuses the BNP of disrupting the election through a “reign of terror on innocent people.”
Expressing concern, UN Special Rapporteur Clément Nyaletsossi Voule described the environment surrounding the polls as “deeply disturbed.” This latest turmoil raises significant challenges for a peaceful and fair electoral process in Bangladesh.
Source: BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67901566