UP polls: 2 including boy killed in Ctg, voting postponed in 2 centres

Two people, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed in separate clashes in Satkania upazila in Chattogram during the union parishad election today.

One of the deceased was identified as Tasibul Islam (13). He was a seventh-grade student and the nephew of a Nalua member candidate, said Abdul Jalil, officer-in-charge (OC) of Satkania Police Station.

"In separate election-related violence, one person was killed in Nalua union and another in Bajalia union of the upazila. One of them died after being hit by a bullet," the OC said.

Meanwhile, following a clash between activists of two rival chairman candidates, the Election Commission postponed voting in two polling centres in Khagaria union, under Satkania upazila.

The polling centres are Khagaria Goni Para Government Primary School and Khagaria Union Parishad Polling Centre, said Jahangir Hossain, Chattogram district elections officer.

According to eye witnesses, activists for Awami League candidate Akter Hossain and independent candidate Jasim Uddin clashed with bamboo sticks and locally made weapons at the Goni Miah Government Primary School polling centre.

They attempted to take control of the polling station.

Abdul Jalil told The Daily Star that additional police and BGB members rushed to the scene after receiving information and brought the situation under control.

Voters outside a polling centre in Pirojpur. Photo: Star

In Pirojpur, voting began in a fair environment in Chandipur union, under Indurkani upazila. There are eight candidates running for chairman, 34 candidates running for general member, and 15 candidates running for reserved women member posts, reports our Pirojpur correspondent.

In this union, 13,637 voters will exercise their right to vote.

A woman casts her vote in a polling centre in Pirojpur. Photo: Star

ASM Roknuzzaman, returning officer of Chandipur union, said, "All preparations have been made to hold the polls in a conducive environment."

Voters outside a polling centre in Pirojpur. Photo: Star

In Noakhali's eight unions of Companiganj upazila, voting is taking place in the presence of a large number of voters.

Many voters said they were worried about violence as local Awami League leaders were divided into two groups, each backing competing candidates, reports our Noakhali correspondent.

Shahidul Islam PPM, district superintendent of police (SP), said that there will be maximum security measures on the occasion. Around 3,000 law enforcement officers have been deployed.

There are 39 candidates running for chairman, 305 for general member, and 79 for reserved women member posts.

The eight unions have a total of 1,82,528 registered voters.

Voters outside a polling centre in Cumilla. Photo: Star

Speaking to The Daily Star, EC Secretary Humayun Kabir Khandaker yesterday said authorities have beefed up security in election areas and that an adequate number of law enforcers have been deployed.

Around 24.51 lakh voters of 138 unions in 20 districts are expected to cast their votes today, Election Commission data shows.

The seventh phase of union parishad (UP) election began this morning. Voting started at 8am and will continue till 4pm.

Voters outside a polling centre in Cumilla. Photo: Star