Voting halted in Jessore

Polling has been suspended at a centre in the Jessore Sadar Upazila following an explosion and clash within an hour of the Upazila election getting under way.

Two voters were injured in the violence at the Kholadanga Government Primary School polling station around 8.45am on Sunday.

Presiding Officer Manindranath Adhikary said voting had been temporarily halted because of the clashes.

Injured Anwar Hossain, 40, and Sadia Afroze, 24, were admitted to the Jessore Sadar Hospital.

Doctors said Anwar’s condition was critical.

“Anwar bore injuries inflicted with sharp weapons in several parts of his body. Sadia was hit by splinters on her leg,” said Dr Mirza Akhtaruzzaman.

Witnesses said some 8-10 people exploded several handmade bombs outside the centre minutes after polling began. They also attacked Anwar.

Supporters of candidates backed by the Awami League and BNP chased each other, leading to the clash.

The BNP-backed candidate’s supporters alleged that those loyal to the rival candidate had burst the bombs.