Vote more peaceful than before, claims AL

The Awami League says the fourth phase of the Upazila Parishad elections was more peaceful and fair than the previous three rounds.

The ruling party’s Election Steering Committee Co-Chairman HT Imam made the claim at a press briefing held after voting ended in 91 Upazilas of 43 districts on Sunday.

Four people were killed in Munshiganj, Brahmanbaria, Jhalakathi and Comilla in violence during the balloting, which also saw snatching and burning of ballots in different areas.

File photo

The first phase of the staggered local government polls was held peacefully without any death. But the second round saw one death and two more died in violence in the third leg.

However, despite tough warning against such occurrences, ‘only a little bit of violence and disturbance’ took place during Sunday’s voting, Election Commissioner Abdul Mobarak told reporters in the evening.

The BNP, however, alleged that polls were rigged and supporters of the ruling party occupied polling centres at 46 Upazilas.

HT Imam said, “Nothing serious happened this time. Earlier, you (journalists) had said that many clashes took place in the third phase.”

“But the Election Commission has carried out its task nicely and fairly despite the absence of the Chief Election Commissioner,” he added.

The prime minister’s adviser also said law-enforcing agencies took measures wherever there was large a gathering of people to avert any violence.

He also responded to the BNP’s allegation that the Awami League resorted to massive rigging in the election by occupying many polling centres.
Imam said, “The BNP’s lies are professional. They have nothing else to do. That’s why they’re sitting at the office and lying continuously.”

He said Sunday’s voting was ‘proper’ and ‘satisfactory’.

The ruling party’s Advisory Council member also hailed the EC for strictly maintaining the law and order.