In a welcome occurrence, not a single person was killed in election-related violence on polling day of the 13th Jatiya Sangshad election, that fell on Thursday. This is the first time since 1991 that polling day of a parliamentary or general election has passed without fatalities due to electoral violence.
However at least seven people died in and around polling centres across the country during the election and referendum on Thursday - mostly of natural causes.
One of them was polling officer Md Mujahidul Islam, 50, who died while performing his duties in Brahmanbaria.
In Khulna, Mahibuzzaman Kochi, a former BNP leader, died following a scuffle at a polling centre. BNP leaders alleged he was pushed during an altercation, while Jamaat representatives denied the claim.
Officials said the incident was not linked to electoral violence.
The rest were all voters.
Five of the victims reportedly fell ill while at or near polling centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, Gaibandha, Kishoreganj and Manikganj.
In Dhaka, Ali Abu Sayeed Sarker, 53, collapsed at a polling centre in Jatrabari and was later declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
In Chattogram, 62-year-old Md Monu Mia fell sick at a centre in Kazir Dewri before breathing his last.
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In Gaibandha and Manikganj, two elderly voters—Bashed Ali and Babu Mia—collapsed after casting or attempting to cast their ballots, and were declared dead upon reaching hospital.
In Bhairab of Kishoreganj, Razzak Mia, 67, fell sick and died after arriving at his designated polling centre to cast his vote.