Narayanganj polls peaceful: CEC

Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) this afternoon claimed that the voting in Narayanganj-5 by-polls was held in a peaceful manner.

"No violence has been reported during the voting," he said while speaking to reporters at his Election Commission office.

He said the EC took sufficient measures to avert any possible post-poll violence there.

Those who will attempt to create untoward situation during or after the vote counting will be brought to book, he warned.

Asked about the allegation against Shamim Osman who reportedly issued a life threat to an assistant superintended of police in Narayanganj as the officer prevented a voter from casting fake votes for Selim at a polling centre, the CEC said the allegation would be investigated.

"If Shamim Osman is found guilty in the probe report, action must be taken against him," Rakibuddin said.

He informed that voting in a polling centre has been cancelled over the allegations of rigging.

The parliamentary seat for the constituency fell vacant after the death of Jatiya Party lawmaker Nasim Osman, who was elected unopposed from the constituency in the January 5 general election.

Four candidates contested the polls, but Selim Osman and Akram are considered to be frontrunners.

No candidate from the main opposition BNP contested the by-election.

A total of 3,42,405 voters-1,74,311 males and 1,68,094 females—were eligible to exercise their franchise in 141 polling stations in the by-polls.