Dhaka: Several polling booths were set on fire in Bangladesh just a day before the general elections, resulting in the death of four people, including two children, due to the fire spreading to a train.
According to news agencies, general elections are taking place in Bangladesh, while the main opposition party has boycotted it. During this time, a fire broke out on the Biman Paul Express which was heading to Dhaka in the morning at 9 o’clock, resulting in 8 people being injured and the fire spreading to 4 more compartments.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that the occurrence of such an event just a day before the elections indicates an intention to disrupt elections and the democratic process of the country.
He stated that the planning of this tragic incident is done by those with ill intentions who want to target our democratic values, but the authorities will hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Authorities informed that the 8 injured individuals from the train accident have been taken to the hospital and are receiving medical assistance, with Dr. Samantha Lal Sene stating that they are taking care of all the injured individuals.
On the other hand, the main opposition party, Bangladesh National Party (BNP), has appealed to the public not to participate in voting and has also announced a two-day strike across the country.
The previous 3 elections were boycotted by BNP, and they have accused Prime Minister Hasina Wajid’s party, Awami League, of trying to manipulate the voting process to obtain power for the 4th time.
It should be noted that BNP had demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina Wajid for the conduct of the elections, but she had refused to accept the demand. Now, the opposition is protesting and engaging in violent demonstrations against the government, with 10 people being killed so far from October until now.
8 lakh security personnel have been deployed for the elections on Sunday, and armed forces personnel have been requested in multiple regions to maintain peace.
Police stated that unknown individuals set fire to 5 primary schools, including 4 polling booths, and an investigation is ongoing regarding the incident of a fire in the Gazipur area near Dhaka, with suspicions that malicious elements entered at night to disrupt the polling process.