Bangladesh: Post-election violence claims one life; Jamaat alleges irregularities after BNP victory

Post-election unrest in Bangladesh has left at least one person dead and several others injured, as Bangladesh Nationalist Party prepares to form the next government following its decisive win in the 13th parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged electoral irregularities in several constituencies, according to local media reports.

Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman claimed that homes of leaders and workers associated with the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance have been attacked in different parts of the country since Friday night. He warned that the party may take strong measures if the incidents are not addressed within a stipulated timeframe, as reported by Prothom Alo.

Rahman stated that while election results are typically accepted if conducted fairly, allegations of discrimination or irregularities raise serious concerns. He alleged that supporters, polling agents, and voters linked to the alliance were assaulted and their homes vandalised or set ablaze in various locations. He further said that the party holding the majority of seats must ensure peace and stability in the country.

According to The Daily Star, at least one person was killed and 36 others were injured in post-election violence between Thursday night and Friday evening. The fatality occurred during clashes between rival factions linked to the BNP in Munshiganj district’s Sadar Upazila.

The deceased, 30-year-old Md Jasim Nayeb, was reportedly a supporter of an independent candidate and an expelled BNP district leader. He sustained critical head injuries during the clash and later died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police stated that longstanding disputes between rival groups escalated into violence over election-related tensions.

With BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman expected to lead the new government, analysts warn that the country faces significant challenges in restoring stability and addressing concerns about rising extremism that surfaced during the 18-month tenure of the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

With inputs from IANS