Fire in front of six polling stations in Sylhet

Fire in front of six polling stations

In Sylhet, unidentified individuals instigated fires and detonated cocktails near at least six polling stations. Despite these incidents, which occurred consecutively after 8 pm on Saturday, no polling centres suffered damage.

Sources, including residents and police, revealed that these acts of arson and explosions were concentrated around polling stations in various locations, including Silam in South Surma Upazila, Tukerbazar in Sadar Upazila, Tultikor area, Tibgate, and the Electric Supply area of the city.

Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Azbahar Ali Sheikh, remarked that these acts were deliberate attempts at sabotage. He assured that law enforcement agencies are maintaining rigorous surveillance to manage the situation effectively.

Residents described the chaos caused by the miscreants, who abruptly appeared at the polling stations, igniting fires using tires and wood, and setting off multiple cocktail explosions, creating a sense of panic in the vicinity.

The Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet conveyed to the media that attempts were made to start fires at Sirajul Islam Alim Madrasa and Haji Abdus Satta High School polling stations in Sylhet Sadar Upazila using burning tires. Fortunately, no damage was inflicted upon the polling stations. He emphasized that law enforcement is on high alert throughout the district, and all necessary measures are in place to ensure the elections conclude peacefully.