Groups shouting anti-election slogans exploded crude bombs to create panic among voters in front of two polling stations in Pathantula area of Sylhet-1 constituency as the 12th National Parliamentary Election is underway.

Moreover, they set fire to tyres to halt vehicular movement of law enforcers and others on Sylhet-Sunamganj regional road around 11 am.

Police and locals said more than 100 people wearing masks and helmets tried to enter Pathantula Dipakkhik High School and Pathantula Government Primary School with sticks around 11 am.

They were shouting slogans “Illegal vote of illegal government, won’t accept it” at the time.

Being informed, police rushed to the spot and used sound grenades to bring the situation under control, forcing the groups to flee.

Md Azbahar Ali Sheikh, additional deputy commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP), said a group was trying to enter voting centres to foil the balloting.

Later, they fled the scene after being chased by police, he added.