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At least 13 people killed in Bangladesh election clashes

Several hundred people have been injured

TASS, December 30. At least 13 people have been killed in various regions of Bangladesh in clashes during the parliamentary elections that took place in the country on Sunday, the Bangladeshi outlet The Daily Star informed.

According to the outlet, people were killed during clashes between opposing political forces, as well as during police shootouts in attempts to stop the members of the radical forces from attacking the polling stations. Several hundred people have been injured, reports suggest.

About 100 mln voters participated in the voting (the republic’s population reaches 164.7 mln people according to the 2017 census).

The Bangladesh polls opened at 8:00 local time (5:00 Moscow time), and closed at 16:00 local time (13:00 Moscow time). Preliminary results are set to be announced in several hours, while the final results will be declared on Sunday night or Monday morning.

Increased security measures have been introduced all over the country, with over 600,000 law enforcement officers ensuring law and order. Reports also state that high-speed mobile internet has been banned in the country for the duration of the elections, allegedly in order to stop the spread of rumors that may lead to clashes. The officials added that they might also block the social networks in the country "if the situation demands it".

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