The UN in Bangladesh has expressed concerned over the attack on independent candidate Ashraful Alom, widely known as Hero Alom, during the Dhaka-17 by-polls yesterday.

"The fundamental human right of everyone to participate in elections without violence should be guaranteed and protected," UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis said in a tweet today.

The @UNinBangladesh is concerned over the attack on independent MP candidate Ashraful Alam during the Dhaka-17 by-poll. The fundamental human right of everyone to participate in elections without violence should be guaranteed and protected. https://t.co/yk0M0mnVYD

— Gwyn Lewis (@GwynLewis12) July 18, 2023

Awami League candidate Mohammad Ali Arafat won the Dhaka-17 by-election yesterday, which was marred by an attack on Hero Alom.

Supporters of the AL candidate, wearing badges of "boat", assaulted Hero Alom after forcing him to leave the polling centre at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College in Banani.