Three people have died in Thakurgaon on Sunday as supporters of a candidate clashed with security forces at a polling station over alleged irregularities during vote counting.
Supporters of BNP-backed chairman candidate for Khangaon union in Pirganj upazila besieged the election officials, including the presiding officer, of the Ghidob Primary School centre around 8pm on Sunday alleging irregularities in ballot counting, according to witnesses.
Soon after the Pirganj upazila administration chief (UNO) arrived at the scene, when his car was vandalized, said Sagendra Nath, a member of the village police posted at the voting centre.
Following a stand-off of more than hour, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) troopers were called in, when a clash broke out. The security forces fired shots in a bid to disperse the attackers.
Locals said that three people, identified as Sahabli Ahmed, 35, Mojaharul Islam 40, and Aditya Chandra, 20, died after sustaining gunshot wounds. Two of them died on the spot while the third succumbed to injuries while being taken to the Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
At least four others were injured in the clash, according to witnesses.
The local police, however, said they have received reports of two deaths.
“According to our reports, one person died on the spot and another died a few hours later,” said Pirganj police OC Jahangir Hossain.
