BNP alleges 'takeover' of polling centres

The BNP says ruling Awami League supporters are forcibly taking over polling stations during the fifth phase of Upazila polls on Monday.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 31 March 2014, 07:52 AM
Updated : 31 March 2014, 07:54 AM

"Ruling party activists have taken over polling stations and stamped ballot papers since morning. The local administration and security forces are helping them rig the polls," Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told a press briefing hours after polling began on Monday.

Voting began at 8am in 73 Upazilas.

On Sunday, the BNP had expressed apprehensions of 'large scale rigging' by the Awami League during the next phases of Upazila polls.

Rizvi alleged on Monday that pro-BNP polling agents were not allowed to enter the voting centres .

He criticised the Election Commission for postponding elections in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila.

He said the commission had put off the election defying a court order.
The decision was taken fearing defeat of the pro-Awami League candidate, Rizvi said.