Polling centres being seized: Rizvi

The BNP has alleged the ruling party candidates have taken over polling centres with the support of the local administration in the 4th phase of the Upazila (UZ) polls. "The ruling party candidates have taken over many polling stations by indulging in violence since Sunday morning to bag chairman posts of the Upazila Parishad. The police, Rab and local administration are assisting them in this act," BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told a press on Sunday afternoon. The press briefing was held at BNP’s Naya Paltan headquarters three hours after the polling began in 91 UZs. Balloting has already been suspended at some centres due to violence. Rizvi said, “Our apprehension has come true by 10am today.” He said the polls had lost their festive mood. “We condemn such acts of taking over of polling stations,” the BNP leader said. Balloting to the 91 UZs ended at 4pm, according to a news agency.