Elections in Bangladesh marred by violent clashes

17 people have been killed across Bangladesh as polls closed in a general election marred by violence and accusations of vote rigging.

According to Reuters, Bangladesh’s electoral commission has said that it would be investigating allegations of vote rigging across the country.

The election is expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina re-elected to a third term, with her main rival currently serving jail time for corruption.

Some 600,000 security personnel were deployed in the build-up to the election to prevent clashes. Authorities also ordered the shutdown of high-speed internet to prevent the spread of “rumours” that could result in more unrest.

More than 100 million people were eligible to vote in the election amid reports of a lower turnout.

At least 28 candidates from the main opposition alliance withdrew before polling closed, alleging vote rigging and intimidation.

The run up to the election saw violence clashes between rival political movements with critics of the government arguing that it has grown increasingly more authoritarian during its time in power.