BNP alleges booth capture

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday (Thursday) demanded re-election in 28 union parishads (UPs), out of 30, in Chittagong. The party alleged that polling centres were taken over, ballot boxes snatched and BNP polling agents driven out. The polls were held in the second phase yesterday.  Md Aslam Chowdhury, convener of the North District BNP, came up with this demand at a press briefing at his residence in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong. “We have said earlier that what is taking place is not an election. It is a joke of the government. In Mirsarai, Sitakunda, Sandwip upazilas, ruling party activists threatened our candidates, leaders and supporters before the elections. Ruling party backed goons, with the help of the police, tore up banners and posters of our candidates,” he said.  “From early morning, ruling party goons took over all polling centres and snatched ballot boxes. Our agents were driven out from booths. We informed the district administration, but no action was taken. That is why we are  demanding re-election which should be free and fair,” Aslam Chowdhury added..
 In the three upazilas of Mirsarai, Sitakunda and Sandwip in Chittagong, elections were held for 30 UPs —- nine each in Mirsarai and Sitakunda and 12 in Sandwip.

BNP alleges booth capture

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday (Thursday) demanded re-election in 28 union parishads (UPs), out of 30, in Chittagong. The party alleged that polling centres were taken over, ballot boxes snatched and BNP polling agents driven out. The polls were held in the second phase yesterday. Md Aslam Chowdhury, convener of the North District BNP, came up with this demand at a press briefing at his residence in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong. We have said earlier that what is taking place is not an election. It is a joke of the government. In Mirsarai, Sitakunda, Sandwip upazilas, ruling party activists threatened our candidates, leaders and supporters before the elections. Ruling party backed goons, with the help of the police, tore up banners and posters of our candidates, he said. From early morning, ruling party goons took over all polling centres and snatched ballot boxes. Our agents were driven out from booths. We informed the district administration, but no action was taken. That is why we are demanding re-election which should be free and fair, Aslam Chowdhury added.. In the three upazilas of Mirsarai, Sitakunda and Sandwip in Chittagong, elections were held for 30 UPs - nine each in Mirsarai and Sitakunda and 12 in Sandwip.