7 BNP-backed candidates boycott UZ polls in 3 dists

Seven BNP-backed candidates boycotted their election in Sadar upazila of Barisal, Char Fasson and Burhanuddin upazilas of Bhola, and Faridganj upazila of Chandpur districts on Thursday on various allegations. In Barisal Sadar upazila, three candidates – BNP-supported chairman, vice-chairman and a woman vice-chairman asprant — boycotted the polls alleging that the supporters of ruling party candidates were obstructing their supporters from casting votes, forced their agents out of some polling centers and also were casting fake votes. BNP-backed chairman candidate Enayet Hossain Bachchu, vice-chairman candidate Anwar Hossain Labu and women vice-chairman candidate Ferdousi Begum announced their election boycott at a joint press briefing around 10 am. In Bhola, BNP-backed chairman candidate Alamgir Hossain Maltia of Char Fasson upazila and BNP-backed chairman candidate Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan of Burhanuddin upazila boycotted the election as supporters of ruling party candidates prevented their supporters from casting votes and occupied some polling centre forcing their agents out of the booths. In Chandpur, BNP-supported chairmen candidates Haji Mozammel and pro-BNP candidate MA Hannan at separate press briefing announced their election boycott alleging vote fraud. Polling in 115 upazilas of 52 districts is being held today. The balloting in the second phase of the local body election began at 8:00 am and continues till 4:00 pm without break, according to UNB.