BNP-backed lawyers sweep Ctg Bar polls amid boycott

BNP-backed candidates have secured a clean sweep in the Chittagong District Bar Association election, held amid boycotts by Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami League-aligned lawyers, with nine office-bearers elected unopposed, report agencies.
Chief Election Officer Roushan Ara Begum announced the results around 10:00 pm on Thursday.
Tariq Ahmed of the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum was elected the association's president.
Md Moinuddin of the same platform backed by lawyers loyal to the ruling party won the post of general secretary.
She said the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum has won the full panel. Nine people, including the president and general secretary, were elected uncontested.
"So, voting was held for one vice-president and 11 member positions. Those who were candidates for these positions from the Jamaat-endorsed panel did not withdraw their candidacies," she said.
A total of 2,160 members voted.
Earlier, voting was held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the auditorium of the District Bar Association building on Thursday.
The Oikyaboddho Ainjibi Parishad, the panel of pro-Jamaat, announced a boycott of the vote.
Supporters of the panel held a rally on the court premises during the voting.
Later, pro-Awami League lawyers also took a stand under the Bar Association building and protested what they called a "one-sided" vote.