Voters stand in queues to cast their vote at a polling station during the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 12, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS
DHAKA:
Three people sustained minor injuries after a crude bomb exploded at a polling center in Bangladesh’s Gopalganj district, about 100 km southwest of the capital Dhaka, on Thursday morning during the national election, local media reported, citing police.
Sarwar Hossain, a senior police official in Gopalganj, told journalists that the blast occurred around 9 a.m. local time at the Reshma International School polling center.
The explosion caused minor injuries, he said, adding that all the injured had been taken to the hospital. “Law and order are now fully under control, and voting is continuing normally at the center,” Hossain said.
He added that the blast appeared to have been intended to create panic, and authorities are working to identify those responsible.
Zahirul Islam, presiding officer of the centre, said the situation was quickly brought under control.
Read More: Bangladesh votes in landmark election after Gen Z uprising
Bangladesh’s national parliament election started Thursday morning, with more than 127 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots.
Bangladeshis lined up outside polling booths as voting began in a pivotal election for the South Asian nation after the 2024 ouster of long‑time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z‑driven uprising.
Analysts say a decisive result is crucial for steady governance in the nation of 175 million, as the deadly anti-Hasina protests triggered months of unrest and disrupted key industries, including the huge garments sector, the world’s second-largest exporter.
It is the world’s first election after an uprising led by under-30s, or Gen Z, to be followed by Nepal next month.
