Voting suspended at one centre as ballot papers snatched

The Election Commission has temporarily suspended the voting at a centre under Patiya upazila in Chattogram on charges of snatching ballot papers although the voting in Chattogram Upazila Parishad election has been underway since morning.

The incident took place at Purbo Pingola Government Primary School centre in Kashiaish union under the upazila around 10:30 am on Wednesday (May 29).

It was learnt that a group of 40 to 50 people entered the centre and took away nine ballot books, 551 ballot papers and marking and official seals with them. soon after the incident, on duty presiding officer temporarily suspended the voting at the centre.

Returning officer Shahidul Islam said, “Voting in the centre remained suspended following the snatching of ballot papers and other election materials. Executing magistrate, assistant returning officer and top police officials are currently at the spot. Voting will resume once the situation becomes normal.”

The third phase of the sixth upazila parishad elections in 87 upazilas is underway across the country.

The voting that began at 8am on Wednesday will continue till 4pm without any break.

Of the total 87 upazilas, EVMs are being used in 16 upazilas.

A total of 1,196 candidates are in the electoral race against 261 posts of 87 upazila parishads.

The candidates include 397 chairman contenders, 456 vice chairman and 299 women (reserved) vice chairman contestants.

More than 2.08 crore voters – 1,06,40,347 males, 1,02,34,723 females and 114 transgender persons -- are registered under 7,450 polling stations in the 87 upazilas.