Pro-BNP candidates boycott polls in Chuadanga

Two pro-BNP candidates in Chuadanga have pulled out of the ongoing Upazila (sub-district) elections, alleging takeover of polling centres by supporters of pro-Awami League aspirants.

Mujibul Haq Malik Saju, contesting from Chuadanga Sadar, announced his decision three hours into the polling.

He claimed supporters of the pro-Awami League candidate had taken over 85 polling stations in the Upazila and were stamping the ballots at will.

Shahidul Tilu, the candidate from the Alamdanga Upazila owing allegiance to the BNP, alleged Awami League toughs had forced their way into 52 out of 103 voting centres in the Upazila.

Returning Officer Anjuman Ara Begum, however, refuted the claims, saying polling was progressing “peacefully” in Chuadanga Sadar and Alamdanga Upazila centres.

Polling is on in 73 Upazilas across Bangladesh in the fifth phase of the Upazila polls.

Voting started at 8am on Monday and will continue until 4pm.