Polling centre attacked in Cumilla, 2 EVMs vandalised

Miscreants attacked a polling centre and vandalised two Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) while local voters were being trained to vote on EVMs in Burichang upazila of Cumilla today.

The incident took place at Borobari Government Primary School centre in Kalakachua area under Mainamati union around 1:30pm, said Burichang Upazila Election Officer Delwar Hossain.

"A group of miscreants attacked the polling centre and vandalised the EVMs while local voters were being trained on how to vote using them," said Delwar Hossain.

The attackers also beat up the presiding officer of the polling station, the election officer told our Cumilla correspondent.

Talking to reporters, locals and witnesses alleged that the supporters of independent chairman candidate Abdullah Al Mamun, who is contesting with "horse" symbol, for Mainamati Union Parishad elections carried out the attack.

After scrutinizing the testimony of election officials and witnesses, a case will be filed with Burichang Police Station against those involved in the attack, election official Delwar Hossain added.

On information, Burichang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sabina Yesmin and some police officials visited the spot. 

Alamgir Hossain, officer-in-charge of  Burichang Police Station, said two EVMs were vandalised in the attack.

Preparations are underway for voting in nine Union Parishads of Burichang upazila ahead of the seventh phase UP polls scheduled for February 7. Voting will be held through EVMs only in Mainamati Union, for the nine unions, added our correspondent.