A crude bomb blast injured three people and a politician died after a fall at a polling centre as Bangladesh held its national election.

DHAKA: A crude bomb explosion and the death of a politician marred Bangladesh’s national parliamentary election on Thursday.

Three people sustained minor injuries in the blast at a polling centre in Gopalganj district, about 100 kilometres southwest of the capital.

Senior police official Md. Sarwar Hossain said the explosion occurred around 9 am local time at the Reshma International School.

“Law and order are now fully under control, and voting is continuing normally at the centre,” Hossain told journalists.

He added that the blast appeared intended to create panic, with authorities working to identify those responsible.

All the injured were taken to hospital, according to the police official.

Presiding officer Zahirul Islam said the situation was quickly brought under control.

In a separate incident, Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi died after allegedly being pushed and falling at another polling centre.

He was attempting to cast his vote when the incident occurred.

Doctors pronounced him dead after he was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Police confirmed an investigation has been launched into his death.

The national election began on Thursday morning with more than 127 million registered voters expected to cast ballots.

 The Sun Malaysia