Bagerhat UP polls begin; woman dies in pre-election violence

Voting began in the union parishad elections of 65 unions in Bagerhat this morning.

Voting in 599 centres began around 8am following a series of clashes. A woman died in pre-election violence last night.

Fatema Begum (70) was killed in Chandpai intersection of Mongla upazila, reports our Bagerhat correspondent quoting Mongla Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Monirul Islam.

Supporters of Chandpai Union Parishad member and candidate Matiar Rahman Moral and supporters of rival candidate Shafiqul Islam engaged in a clash injuring four people including Fatema, locals said.

Later, she was reportedly declared dead by the doctor at Mongla Upazila Health Complex.

However, Mongla Police Station Officer-in-Charge said the cause of Fatema's death was yet to be known, police were investigating the matter.

Besides, clashes were reported in Morelganj and Sharankhola upazilas.

Meanwhile, voter turnout was low in the centres in the morning due to rain in the area. Although no voters were seen at Arpara Government Primary School, at the polling centre of Ward No. 1 of Baruipara union in Bagerhat Sadar upazila around 8am, there was a strong presence of law enforcement agencies, reports our correspondent from the spot.

There are 2,046 voters in this centre.

In Baruipara union, the chairman candidate was elected without contest.

Md Yakib Sheikh who showed up at the centre, said, "I came in the rain to cast my vote. We want fair election."

Awami League nominated candidates have been elected unopposed in 36 out of 65 unions in Bagerhat. Besides, 72 chairman candidates are contesting in 27 other unions. In 75 unions, 2,255 people are contesting for general membership and 6 for reserved women members. There are 2,618 polling booths in 599 centres of 75 unions in this election.

Bagerhat District Election Officer and Chief Coordinator of Union Parishad Elections Faraji Benzir Ahmed said voting started in all the centres simultaneously in the morning.