Bangladesh Polls Rocked by Violence: Hindu Officer Branded 'Indian Agent', Candidates Harassed

• Pre-poll violence and intimidation surge in Bangladesh ahead of February 12 general elections.
• Independent candidate Ataur Rahman (BNP leader) allegedly harassed after his nomination was invalidated.
• Hindu district administrator Annapurna Debnath branded 'Indian agent' by Islamist activists for canceling Jamaat candidate's nomination.
• Hindu leader Govind Chandra Pramanik's nomination cancelled, alleging political pressure and marginalization of Hindu representation.
• Incidents highlight sharp political polarization, administrative bias, and attacks on minorities.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh elections marred by intimidation, administrative bias, and targeting of minority officials and candidates.