Two people have been killed in pre-election violence in Bangladesh, according to police, as clashes between armed rivals left dozens injured. More than 100 people have been hurt in violence on the campaign trail since Monday, when candidates from the two major parties began campaigning ahead of the December 30 poll. Police on Wednesday said two supporters from the Awami League, the ruling party headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, died from injuries sustained in brawls with opposition rivals late on Tuesday. Mobs armed with knives and batons faced off at a rally in Noakhali, a southern district, where a pro-government demonstrator was seriously injured.
“He died on the way to hospital. Some 30 to 35 people were also injured in the conflict,” Mahmud Nasir, the deputy district police chief told AFP news agency.
In central Faridpur district, another pro-government demonstrator was beaten to death by opposition supporters from the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), police said.
“He was rushed to hospital but declared dead by doctors on arrival,” Faridpurpolice chief Jakir Hossain Khan said.
Full Article: Bangladesh: Two killed in pre-election clashes | News | Al Jazeera.