International Desk, 7th January: In the lead-up to Bangladesh’s general elections, a disturbing series of events unfolded as at least 14 polling centres and two schools in 10 districts were deliberately set ablaze between Friday evening and early Saturday, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.
One distressing incident took place at the Sheikh Sundar Masterpara Primary School in Lalmonirhat’s Hatibandha upazila on Saturday evening, where arsonists targeted the educational institution. A parallel incident occurred in Mymensingh, leading to the apprehension of five individuals. Fortunately, despite these alarming events, no casualties were reported.
Prior to this, five schools, which had been designated as polling centres for the upcoming election on Sunday, fell victim to arson attacks in Feni and Rajshahi. Among them, the Sabia Government Primary School in Moulvibazar’s Sadar upazila was specifically targeted on Friday evening.
In Habiganj, the Dhalaipar Government Primary School centre faced an early Saturday blaze; however, reassuringly, no damage was inflicted upon electoral materials.
The turmoil extended to Gazipur district, witnessing two additional polling centres succumb to arson attacks. The Bashtoli Government Primary School in Kaliakair Upazila and the East Chandana Government Primary School in the Bason area of Gazipur city were both set ablaze by unidentified individuals.