The first phase of upazila parishad elections across 139 upazilas in 59 districts of the country has concluded with voting ending on Wednesday (May 8) at 4:00 PM, after starting at 8:00 AM. Amidst sporadic clashes, interruptions in voting, and arrests of presiding officers, various incidents marked the end of the first phase of upazila elections.
According to the Secretary of the Election Commission, Mr. M. Jahangir Alam, voter turnout ranged from 15 to 20 percent during the period from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, analyzed from various centers.
Munsahignj
In Munshiganj, clashes and gunfire incidents occurred between the supporters of two chairmanship candidates, Amirul Islam (Anaras) and Monsur Ahmed Khan Jinnah (Cup Pirate), in Gazaria. Police intervened by firing rubber bullets to control the situation during six rounds of unrest.
For More Reading: Forcefully sealing ballot papers, voting process halted
Jamalpur
In addition, during voting in Jamalpur Sadar upazila, polling officer Jahidul Islam allegedly went to a secret room to press two buttons in favor of his preferred candidate. Voters engaged in arguments with him, leading the presiding officer, Korban Ali, to dismiss Jahidul Islam from his duties.
Tangail
Tensions were observed between leaders and candidates of the Awami League in Madhupur and Dhonbari upazilas of Tangail. Incidents were reported at several centers, including Gangair Ahmad Ali Memorial High School, where voter presence was significantly low due to fear and rainfall.
Sirajganj
Meanwhile, during the vote-buying time in Belkuchi, Sirajganj, police arrested an Union Parishad chairman named Zohurul Islam along with 94,000 taka in cash.
Sunamganj
In Shalla`s Charbishas Government Primary School in Sunamganj, clashes erupted between the supporters of two chairmanship candidates, involving horse-riding and gunfire, leaving 10 injured. Prior to this, on Monday (May 7) at 2:00 AM, police had arrested four individuals, including two assistant presiding officers, outside the same center.
Narsingdi
Further, in Narsingdi, clashes occurred among workers and supporters of two chairman candidates over occupation of polling centers. At least 10 individuals were injured in the incident.
Bogra
Allegations of irregularities led to the removal of two assistant presiding officers from the polling center of Sonaray High School in Bogura. Additionally, two individuals were arrested, including the assistant presiding officer, at Kusumkali Center.
Brahmanbaria
In Brahmanbaria`s Nasirnagar, a polling officer is accused of assaulting an observer for not allowing voters to enter the voting center. This incident took place at Ratonpur Government Primary School Center at 11:00 AM.
Out of the 139 upazilas, elections were held smoothly in 22 with electronic voting machines (EVMs), while the rest conducted voting using ballot papers. A total of 1,635 candidates competed in this phase, including 570 for chairman, 625 for vice-chairman, and 440 for female vice-chairman positions.
Moreover, due to the ongoing joint force campaign, elections were postponed in three upazilas of Bandarban hill districts.
The Election Commission has decided to hold voting in 476 upazilas out of the country`s 495 upazilas in four phases. Some upazilas have faced challenges such as legal complexities and the death of legitimate candidates, leading to the postponement of elections. Voting will be held later in those remaining 19 upazilas.
At the conclusion of the voting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal informed journalists, "Due to the harvesting season, voter turnout has been low. 24 individuals have been injured in 34 incidents across various areas. Additionally, 37 individuals have been arrested. There were no violent incidents within the polling centers, but violence occurred outside, leading to the closure of voting in two centers."
