3 killed in violence marring run-up to Bangladesh's Dec. 30 elections

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Violence in Bangladesh this week, about two weeks before national elections, has killed three people and injured more than 100.

Among the dead are two people who supported Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his Awami League, Al Jazeera reported. Police said they died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a fight with supporters of a rival party.

The body of Asadul Islam Ershad, 35, a ward-unit Swechchhasebak League leader from Ramnathpur, was found in a canal in the Muladuli union.

Authorities couldn't confirm if Asadul went missing at the start of campaigning, but his body was found during a string of deadly polls violence tied to politics. He'd worked with a contractor firm at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project, his uncle and Muladuli Union Awami League General Secretary Kamal Hossain said.

"He went out after dinner on Monday saying he would go to Sheikhparha village," Kamal said.

Police said they found the body with several wounds and one ear severed. Authorities added that one of his eyes was damaged and an electrical wire was around his neck.

Earlier this week, the Awami League said it will reveal its election manifesto after the country's Victory Day on Sunday, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The document will point out the party's commitment to balancing its priorities of development and quality education.

Victory Day is a national holiday that celebrates Bangladesh's victory over Pakistani forces during the Liberation War in 1971.