It is worrying that violence has become an ‘integral part’ of our electoral politics. The election held on January 7 was not as competitive as the Awami League’s main rival BNP did not participate.
People had an idea that there would be less incidents of violence in this election because BNP was not involved in it. But the reality turned out to be different because even six days after the elections, incidents of violence came to light. Religious minorities became targets of attack in some places.
On Saturday, miscreants killed Shaheduzzaman Polash, agent of an independent candidate, in Sonaimuri, Noakhali. Supporters of the boat (election symbol of the ruling party) were threatening him when he protested against filling the ballot paper at the polling station. On January 9, supporters of the independent candidate killed a supporter of the Boat candidate in Jhenaidah-2 constituency. Some families of the minority community fled their homes due to fear of attack in Kushtia-4 constituency. However, the police brought them back to their home. Incidents of attack have come to light in Bagerhat and Pirojpur.
