Post-poll violence leaves 7 dead, 350 injured across Bangladesh, says MSF

The organisation urges the state to take “swift and effective” action to halt rising casualties

At least seven people have been killed and 350 others injured in a wave of post-election violence that has swept across 26 districts since the results were announced, according to rights group Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF).

In a statement issued on Monday, three days after the election, MSF said the findings were based on reports published in the media.

It “condemned” and expressed “deep concern” over the incidents.

Calling for an immediate end to the violence, the organisation urged the state to take “swift and effective” measures, and asked political parties to act with “responsibility and urgency”.

Detailing the fatalities, MSF said Jasim Uddin in Munshiganj and Osman Sarder in Bagerhat were killed in clashes because they supported independent candidates.

In Mymensingh, a child was allegedly beaten to death after his father, an independent candidate’s worker, was accused of stealing betel nuts.

The organisation also included reports of two people killed in Chapainawabganj when a bomb exploded during its manufacture.

In Bhola, Awami League activist Abdur Rahim was killed.

In Lakshmipur, the body of rickshaw-puller Md Sohag Mizi -- missing since election night -- was recovered from an abandoned sand field.