A former Khulna Metropolitan BNP leader died on Thursday morning after a tense altercation between supporters of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami at a polling centre in Khulna-2 constituency, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
The deceased, Mahifuzzaman Kochi, 62, a former office secretary of the Khulna Metropolitan BNP, fell ill during a scuffle outside the Alia Madrasa Academic Bhaban polling centre around 7:30am.
He was later taken to Khulna City Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police said an investigation committee has been formed and CCTV footage is being collected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to eyewitnesses and police, tensions escalated in the morning between BNP and Jamaat supporters at the Alia Madrasa centre, allegedly over campaigning activities inside or near the polling station.
Former deputy office secretary of the metropolitan BNP, Shamsuzzaman Chanchal, alleged that campaigning in favour of Jamaat was taking place inside the centre at the start of voting.
When Kochi protested, a commotion broke out and he fell during the scuffle.
Chanchal claimed Kochi suffered a heart attack after falling.
Khulna Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kabir Hossain confirmed there was “a tense scuffle” at the centre.
“He suffered a heart attack and later died after being taken to the hospital,” the OC said.
Sub-Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi, the police officer in charge of the centre, said police intervened as soon as tension arose and separated the two sides.
“After that, one person was seen being taken away in a CNG auto-rickshaw,” he said.
Emergency Medical Officer Dr Partha Roy of Khulna City Medical College Hospital said Kochi was brought to the hospital dead.
BNP leaders alleged that Kochi was pushed during the altercation.
Khulna-2 BNP candidate Nazrul Islam Manju claimed that Kochi was killed following an incident involving Jamaat leaders and demanded the arrest of those responsible, including the madrasa principal.
Former BNP organizing secretary Yusuf Harun Majnu alleged that the principal of Alia Madrasa, Dr Md Abdur Rahim, was campaigning for Jamaat inside the centre and pushed Kochi during an argument, causing him to fall and hit his head.
However, Jamaat leaders denied the allegations.
Jamaat centre director Mahbubur Rahman said BNP supporters were attempting to expel Jamaat women workers from the area and that he intervened.
“Then one of them fell ill. Later I heard that he died. No one was pushed or beaten. If you check the madrasa’s CCTV camera, everything will be clear,” he said.
Jamaat candidate for Khulna-2, Sheikh Jahangir Hossain Helal, described the death as “painful” and said Kochi fell ill after becoming agitated during a disagreement with voters.
He denied that any Jamaat worker was involved.
Sheikh Jahangir Alam, chief agent of the Jamaat candidate, said Kochi died of a heart attack and rejected allegations linking Jamaat to the incident.
He also said that the madrasa principal is not affiliated with Jamaat.
Principal Dr Md Abdur Rahim said he had gone to the area after casting his vote at another centre and saw a commotion.
“I asked everyone to leave. I did not push anyone,” he said.
Khulna Metropolitan Police official Shahidul Islam said the matter is being taken seriously.
“An autopsy will be conducted. Initially, it appears there was jostling. The exact cause of death will be determined after investigation,” he said.
He added that legal action would be taken if complaints are filed and that CCTV footage and witness statements are being reviewed.
Police said further steps would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
