Ex-BNP leader dies amid tension at Khulna polling centre

A former BNP leader died following tension and scuffles near Alia Madrasha polling centre in Khulna city on Thursday morning.

The deceased was identified as Mahibuzzaman Kochi, former office secretary of Khulna Metropolitan BNP and a resident of Haji Mohsin Road by-lane in the city.

Witnesses said tension erupted between BNP and Jamaat supporters near the academic building of the centre around 8am.

Yusuf Harun Majnu, former organising secretary of BNP in Khulna Sadar, alleged that the madrasha principal was campaigning for Jamaat and that an altercation ensued when BNP supporters tried to stop him. He claimed Kochi was pushed, hit his head on a tree and died as a result.

However, Mahbubur Rahman, Jamaat’s centre coordinator, denied the allegation, saying one person fell ill during the commotion. “There was no pushing or fighting. CCTV footage of the madrasha will clarify the matter,” he said.

Presiding Officer Saiful Islam said the incident took place outside the polling centre and was beyond his jurisdiction.

Sub-Inspector Khan Foysal Rafi of Khulna Sadar Police Station said police rushed to the spot after tension arose and dispersed supporters from both sides. “One person was seen being taken away in a CNG,” he said.

Dr Partha Roy, emergency medical officer at Khulna City Medical College Hospital, said Kochi was brought dead to the hospital and there were no visible injury marks on his body.

BNP candidate for Khulna-2 Nazrul Islam Manju alleged that Kochi was killed after being pushed by a Jamaat leader and demanded the arrest of those responsible.

Sheikh Jahangir Alam, chief agent of Jamaat’s candidate in the constituency, claimed Kochi died of a heart attack and said Jamaat was being unfairly implicated. He also denied any political affiliation of the madrasha principal.

Authorities said the overall situation later remained peaceful.