Nine die in separate incidents at polling centres in 9 districts

Nine people, including a BNP leader in Khulna, a polling officer in Brahmanbaria and an assistant presiding officer in Mymensingh, died today (12 February) in separate incidents linked to polling, involving illness and disputes between rival parties.

Some of them fell ill at different points – on the way to the polling stations, returning home after casting their votes, or while carrying out their duties at the centres. In several locations, the incidents have sparked allegations and counter-allegations regarding the causes of the deaths.

In Khulna, Mahfuzzzaman Kochi, former office secretary of Khulna Metropolitan BNP, died outside the Alia Madrasa polling centre around 8:10am amid a reported scuffle between BNP and Jamaat supporters.

Former BNP organising secretary Yusuf Harun Majnu claimed the madrasa principal, allegedly campaigning for Jamaat, pushed Kochi, causing him to hit a tree and die on the spot.

Mahbubur Rahman, Jamaat centre director, denied the allegation, saying Kochi fell ill without any assault and that BNP activists were forcing female workers out of the station. He added that CCTV footage would clarify the incident.

Presiding Officer Saiful Islam and Sub-Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi said the scuffle was not witnessed and police quickly restored order.

Emergency Medical Officer Dr Partha Roy confirmed Kochi was brought dead to Khulna City Medical College Hospital with no visible injuries.

BNP candidate for Khulna-2, Nazrul Islam Manju, demanded arrests, while Jamaat chief agent Sheikh Jahangir Alam said Kochi died of a heart attack.

Polling officer dies in Brahmanbaria

Polling officer Md Mujahidul Islam (48) of booth number 2 at Syed Sirajul Islam Auditorium in Kacharipara, Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria, collapsed around 8am while on duty. He was rushed to the Upazila Health Complex but was declared dead by the on-duty doctor. 

Mujahidul Islam was also a teacher at Panishwar Islami Foundation. 

Presiding officer Shamim Al Mamun confirmed the incident.

Death of presiding officer in Mymensingh

Md Rezaul Karim, an assistant presiding officer at Daraboni Government Primary School in Mymensingh-1 (Haluaghat–Dhobaura), collapsed while on duty. He was taken to the local Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. 

He was an assistant teacher at Majrakura High School. 

Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Saifur Rahman confirmed the incident.

One dies on way to polling station in Satkhira

Anath Ghosh (65) fell ill while walking to vote in Masihara village of Tala Upazila, Satkhira, around 8:30am. He was taken to the Tala Upazila Health Complex but was declared dead. 

His nephew Joydev Ghosh said Anath collapsed near Panchmatha while heading to Masihara Primary School polling station. 

One dies while standing in polling centre queue in Chattogram

Md Manu Mia (57), a security guard, fell ill while standing in the voter line at Kazir Deuri Pear Mohammad Government Primary School polling station on Batali Road, Chattogram-9. 

He was later declared dead at a local private hospital. 

One dies at polling centre in Dhaka

Abu Sayeed Sarkar (53), a former marine engineer, collapsed while voting at Agradut Bidya Niketan School in Jatrabari, Dhaka. 

His wife Preeti Islam said he lost consciousness on the fourth floor of the school and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 9:45am, where he was pronounced dead. 

Police Inspector Md Faruk confirmed the death.

One dies allegedly after being chased in Bhairab

Razzak Mia (55) died near Aganagar Dakshinpara Government Primary School in Bhairab Upazila, Kishoreganj, around 11:30am. 

Eyewitnesses claimed law enforcement personnel tried to disperse people near the centre, allegedly chasing him. 

He collapsed during the incident and was brought to the Upazila Health Complex, where he was pronounced dead. 

Kishoreganj Health and Family Planning Officer Kishore Kumar Dhar said there were no visible injuries and the preliminary cause was believed to be a heart attack.

Death while casting vote in Manikganj

Babu Mia (70), a van driver, fell ill while voting at Mahadevpur Government Primary School, Shibaloy Upazila, around 11:15am. He collapsed while standing in line and was declared dead on site. 

Presiding officer Md Mosharraf Hossain said the death was likely due to cardiac arrest.

Death on way back from polling centre in Gaibandha

Bacher Chowdhury (60) fell ill and died on the way back from Osmanerpara Government Primary School in Saghata Upazila, Gaibandha, around 12:30pm. 

Locals said he collapsed about 500 yards from the polling station. 

Saghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Ashraful Kabir said he died of natural causes.