Who is Mohibuzzaman Kochi? BNP Leader Dies in Khulna During Polling Clash

Khulna, Bangladesh – February 12, 2026: A senior BNP leader, Mohibuzzaman Kochi, has died during an alleged clash with Jamaat-e-Islami activists outside a polling station in Khulna Sadar. The incident took place around 8:10 AM on Thursday at the Alia Madrasah polling station.

Kochi, 55, was a former office secretary of the Khulna city unit of the BNP and lived in the Haji Mohsin Road area. Reports from the BNP allege that a Jamaat leader pushed him into a tree, causing a fatal head injury. However, the Jamaat side claims that Kochi fell ill during the unrest.

Conflicting Accounts

• BNP’s Version: Former organising secretary of Khulna Sadar Thana BNP, Yusuf Harun Majnu, said there was tension at the polling station from the morning. He claimed the Alia Madrasa principal campaigned for Jamaat, and when obstructed, he pushed Kochi into a tree, leading to his death.

• Jamaat’s Version: Khulna Alia Madrasah Principal Abdur Rahim Mia denied pushing anyone, saying he was returning home after voting and tried to calm women being removed from the premises. Jamaat Centre Director Mahbubur Rahman stated that BNP supporters were throwing out their female workers, and Kochi fell ill, later dying.

• Police Statement: Sadar Police Station Sub-Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi said officers separated both groups and that no pushing or fighting was observed.

• Election Officials: Presiding officer Saiful Islam said the incident happened outside the centre and was not part of his responsibilities.

• BNP Candidate Statement: Nazrul Islam Manju alleged that Kochi died after being pushed by a Jamaat leader, demanding the arrest of the principal and Mahbub.

• Evidence Call: Jamaat candidate Sheikh Jahangir Hussain Helal said the polling centre has CCTV cameras. He suggested that anyone responsible should be punished based on CCTV evidence.

The incident has heightened political tensions in Khulna ahead of the election. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of Mohibuzzaman Kochi’s death.