Forcefully sealing ballot papers, voting process halted

National Desk

Published: May 8, 2024, 04:37 PM

Forcefully sealing ballot papers, voting process halted

Photo: Collected

An incident of violence disrupted the electoral process as polling agents of the opposition candidate allegedly assaulted their counterparts and tampered with ballot papers by marking seals at a voting center in Gazaria, Munshiganj.

The disturbance occurred at Hossendi High School center on Wednesday afternoon. Miscreants entered various rooms of the center and forcibly removed polling agents while attempting to mark seals on ballot papers.

Chairman candidate Monsur Ahmed Khan Jinnah‍‍`s polling agent Alam Khan reported, "Around 1,200 youths, led by supporters of Amirul Islam, a symbol of the pineapple, and chaired by UP Chairman Monirul Haque Mithu, entered the polling center around 2 p.m. and expelled us violently. They were trying to mark seals on the ballots and indulge in rigging. The police were informed immediately."

Officer-in-Charge of Gazaria Police Station, Md. Rajib Khan stated, "Immediate measures were taken after the incident. Those who were attempting to mark seals on the ballot papers have fled. The situation is now under control."

The Presiding Officer of the center, Imran Bhuiyan, commented, "Ballot papers without the signature of the Assistant Presiding Officer will be considered invalid. However, an assessment will be made regarding how many ballots were tampered with or marked with seals."

Executive Magistrate Ummey Habiba Farzana remarked, "Upon receiving the report, a temporary halt has been placed on the voting process at the center after inspecting the site. The matter is under investigation."

The incident has sparked concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, prompting authorities to take swift action to ensure fair and peaceful voting.
 

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