'Polling centres being seized'

The BNP has alleged the ruling party candidates are taking over centres with the support of the local administration in the 4th phase of the Upazila polls.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 23 March 2014, 08:10 AM
Updated : 23 March 2014, 08:45 AM

“The ruling party candidates have taken over many polling stations by indulging in violence since morning to bag chairman posts of the Upazila Parishad. The police, RAB and local administration are assisting them in this act,” BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told the press on Sunday.

The press briefing was held at the party’s Naya Paltan headquarters three hours after the polling began in 91 Upazilas.

Balloting has already been suspended at some centres due to violence.

Rizvi said, “Our apprehension has come true by 10am today.”

He said the polls had lost their festive mood. “We condemn such acts of taking over of polling stations,” the BNP leader said.

BNP, which took the lead in the previous three phases, has been alleging government pressure on their candidates. Polls have so far been held in 294 Upazilas out of 487.

It has also questioned the role of the Election Commission, saying it was being unfair towards the party.

Rizvi alleged supporters of the ruling Awami League-backed candidates had chased away the polling agents of BNP-backed candidates.

He said they had informed the commission of the matter but it had not taken any action.

“The Election Commission has turned into a loyal organisation. They are working as servant of the government. They are not caring for our allegations.”