Stabbing, Threatening And Cash For Votes: Bangladesh Polls Marred By Violence, Corruption

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 08:52 IST

Violence struck Bogura, where Milon Mia, president of the Dhunat Government Degree College unit of the BNP’s student wing, was stabbed near a polling centre.

A series of incidents tied to election-related violence, intimidation, and irregularities have unfolded across Bangladesh in recent days, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the polls. According to reports there have been over 400 reported incidents of poll-related violence between December and February across Bangladesh. Several incidents were in fact reported in the last 24 hours before the February 12 polls.

In Barisal’s Babuganj upazila, the army detained two men identified as BNP activists, Humayun Gazi and Enayet Kazi, during a routine patrol. Authorities recovered 102,000 taka in cash and election slips from their possession. The army stated that it is working professionally and neutrally to maintain peace and stability during the election period.

Elsewhere, violence struck Bogura, where Milon Mia, president of the Dhunat Government Degree College unit of the BNP’s student wing, was stabbed near a polling centre.

In Khulna-5 constituency, allegations of voter intimidation emerged. Local Jamaat leader Dr Nitya Ranjan Roy reportedly threatened Hindu voters, warning them against supporting rival parties.

Meanwhile, in Old Dhaka, Jamaat leader Md Habib was arrested for allegedly distributing money to voters. A mobile court sentenced him to two days in jail.

Authorities also seized 15 lakh taka from a vehicle belonging to a Krishak Dal leader in Lakshmipur, while in Thakurgaon-3, two Jatiya Party leaders were fined 15,000 taka for distributing cash in favor of their party symbol.

In Shariatpur’s Naria upazila, joint forces detained a local Jamaat leader with 7.5 lakh taka and a laptop, according to reports.

Adding to the unrest, two crude bombs exploded near polling centers in Gopalganj, raising concerns about voter safety.

The incidents reflect a troubling mix of cash-for-votes schemes, intimidation, and outright violence across multiple districts. Law enforcement and the army remain active, conducting raids and imposing fines or jail terms to curb malpractice. However, the scattered nature of these events underscores the challenges of ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election across Bangladesh.

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