Bangladesh votes for rural councils amid fear of violence
ABC News
Bangladesh is holding village council elections certain to further consolidate the ruling party’s power but that have raised concerns about the state of democracy
DHAKA,Bangladesh -- Bangladesh held village council elections Thursday that are certain to further consolidate the ruling party's power but have raised concerns about the state of democracy in the South Asian nation.
The largest opposition party is boycotting the vote, saying a skewed political atmosphere is preventing fair participation. Widespread allegations of misconduct were made over the last two national elections, and political violence has marred past votes in Bangladesh, particularly for the rural councils.
Chief Election Commissioner K.M.Nurul Huda warned against election violence before Thursday's vote and said security measures were being taken to tackle any possible incidents.
In the runup to the vote, at least nine people have been killed and hundreds injured in campaign violence this month. Since January, 85 people have been killed and more than 6,000 injured in election-related violence, according to a Dhaka-based rights group Ain-o-Salish Kendra.