Ushatan Talukder rejects JS polls result in Rangamati

Independent candidate Ushatan Talukder has rejected the result of the constituency comprising Rangamati in the eleventh parliamentary elections.

Speaking  at a press conference at Sabarang Restaurant in the hill town yesterday, he also demanded the release of Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) leaders and activists who were arrested by law enforcers before and during election.

Ushatan alleged that Awami League (AL) men carried out rigging and occupation of the centres, and his polling agents were not allowed to enter the centres. He also said the ruling party snatched his certain victory through vote robbery.

Ushatan said 17 polling centres in Longadu upazila, 17 in Baghaichari upazila, six in Kaptai upazila, 13 in Kawkhali upazila, two in Naniarchar upazila, two in Bilichari upazila and one in Rajostoli upazila were occupied by AL men.

"The returning officer and assistant returning officer took no action even though a written complaint about the irregularities and fraud was submitted to them. AL men captured ballot boxes and cast fakes vote in different polling centres," Ushatan said.

"Bilaichhari Upazila Election Managing Committee Convenor Bir Uttam Tanchanga was detained by members of the security forces. Such an election cannot be acceptable," he said.

"Members of security forces carried out extensive searches on many houses in different villages of ten upazilas. As a result, fear and insecurity prevailed among the voters of the area," Ushatan added.

Several leaders of PCJSS and of Parbatya Chattogram Mahila Samiti were present at the press conference.