Bangladesh: 7 killed in local election day ambush

DHAKA, Bangladesh

Seven people, including election officials and paramilitary auxiliary force members, were killed in an ambush in southeastern Bangladesh on a day of local elections, according to officials quoted in local media.

The ambush came late in the day in the Rangamati district while election officials were returning to local government headquarters with ballot materials, the New Age daily quoted a local administration chief as saying.

More than 20 people were also wounded in the ambush, including 11 critically injured who were sent to the Chittagong Combined Military Hospital a helicopter, the report added.

Earlier in the day, the second phase of Bangladesh’s local government election was held amid alleged vote rigging, with a dozen candidates boycotting the polls midway.

The first phase was held on March 10, also amid a boycott by the main opposition alliance.