The UN in Bangladesh expressed concern over the attack on independent MP candidate Ashraful Alom (Hero Alom) during Dhaka-17 by-polls yesterday (17 July).

"The fundamental human right of everyone to participate in elections without violence should be guaranteed and protected," UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, Gwyn Lewis, tweeted today (18 July).

Earlier, the United States also encouraged the Bangladeshi government to investigate any violence report thoroughly, transparently and impartially and to hold the perpetrators of violence to account.

Election Commissioner Md Alamgir yesterday (17 July) said the attack on Dhaka 17 by-polls candidate Ashraful Alom was unfortunate and unexpected.

Sramik League leader among 4 detained over attack on Hero Alom

Mohammad Ali Arafat, who won the Dhaka-17 by-polls, said what happened "just 20 minutes before the end of the election is uncalled for."

"I strongly condemn it. The involved parties could not be Awami League's well-wishers. It was done with the intention of maligning the election," he said.

The culprits should be arrested and brought to justice, Arafat said.

Ashraful Alom, better known as "Hero Alom," an independent candidate contesting the Dhaka-17 by-election, was physically assaulted while leaving a polling centre in the Banani area on July 17.