Bangladesh election violence: BNP leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi killed, 3 injured in bomb blast

Bangladesh Elections 2026 Violence: The ongoing important parliamentary elections in Bangladesh are going ahead amid incidents of violence and tension. The incidents of clashes and explosions at different polling stations on Thursday made the election environment more sensitive. during this time Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) A local leader was killed, while three people were injured in a crude bomb explosion at another place.

Aliya Madrasa of Khulna district voting 55-year-old BNP leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi died at the centre. According to reports, there was an atmosphere of tension at the polling station since morning.

Mohibuzzaman Kochi lost his life in hand-to-hand combat

Former BNP organization secretary of Khulna Sadar police station, Yusuf Harun Majnu alleged that the principal of Aliya Madrasa was campaigning in favor of Jamaat-e-Islami during the elections. When Mohibuzzaman Kochi opposed this, an altercation started between the two sides. According to Majnu, during the dispute the principal pushed Kochi, causing him to hit a nearby tree. He died on the spot due to serious head injury. After the incident, there was chaos in the area and huge anger spread among the supporters.

Confirming the incident, Sub-Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi of Khulna Sadar police station said that as the tension between the two groups increased, the police intervened and controlled the situation and separated the two parties. He said that the matter is being investigated and the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report.

Crude bomb blast in Gopalganj, three injured

On the same day, another serious incident occurred in Gopalganj district, where a crude bomb exploded near a polling booth. The blast took place at around 9 am in the morning at the Reshma International School polling booth in Nichupara area. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Hussain, three people were injured in the blast, including two Ansar (security force) personnel and a 13-year-old girl. All the injured have been admitted to the nearest hospital. After the blast, panic spread in the area and the voting process was disrupted for some time.

First election after political turmoil

This election is also considered very important because it is the first parliamentary election after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down from power in 2024. Hasina’s government fell after a widespread and violent mass movement last year, which created political instability in the country. According to experts, this election is being considered decisive in restoring political stability in Bangladesh and providing a legitimate mandate to the new government.

referendum along with parliament

This time the elections are being held in dual format. On one hand, voters are electing members of Parliament, while on the other hand, a referendum is also being conducted on the ‘July National Charter’. If this charter is passed, there will be major constitutional changes in it, which include provisions like the system of bicameral parliament, limit on the tenure of the Prime Minister and recognition of the 2024 mass movement in the constitution.

Major political parties and alliances

BNP is being considered the strongest contender in this election. Party president Tariq Rehman, who remained in exile for years, has now returned to active politics. He has promised that if he comes to power, he will introduce “clean politics” and lead the country out of corruption and dictatorial culture. On the other hand, an alliance of 11 parties has also emerged rapidly under the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami, which recently gained legitimacy. The return of Jamaat has also increased concerns about religious freedom and civil rights in civil society and minority communities.

While BNP is leading an alliance of 10 parties, Jamaat is leading a separate front of 11 parties. The National Citizen Party (NCP), which led the anti-Sheikh Hasina student movement, is associated with the Jamaat-led alliance. Apart from this, Islamic Movement Bangladesh and Jatiya Party are also in the electoral fray.

Awami League out of elections

The biggest political feature of this election is that Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has been barred from contesting the elections this time. This decision is being considered a major change in the politics of Bangladesh, because Awami League has been the main axis of power for decades.

Administration on alert

In view of the continuous violent incidents, the administration has further tightened the security arrangements. Police, army and Ansar force have been deployed in sensitive areas so that the voting process is not disrupted. Officials say that they will not tolerate any kind of violence or disturbance and strict action will be taken against the culprits. As voting progresses, the entire nation is watching whether this election will bring political stability and a new direction to Bangladesh, or whether violence and conflict will raise questions about its credibility.