Alleging irregularities and vote rigging, a dozen candidates in Rangamati have boycotted the upazila election, which is being held in its second phase on Monday (Mar 18).  

Five among the 12 candidates, were running for chairman, while the other seven were vying for the vice chairman post in Rangamati’s Baghaichari, Naniarchar and Kaukhali Upazila.

The candidates are alleging that votes were rigged, people were prevented from exercising their voting rights and ballots were filled the night before.

Following their announce of boycott the have written to the district’s returning officer and additional deputy commissioner calling for the polls to be scrapped.

Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) supported candidate Bara Rishi Chakma and three vice chairman candidates announced the boycott one hour into the voting.

“Votes were cast the since Sunday night by intimidating people with firearms,” alleged Rishi Chakma while announcing his decision to boycott the polls.

He further alleged that his supports and voters were prevented from going to the polling centres since Monday morning.  

Naniarchar chairman candidate Rupom Dewan made similar allegations before pulling out of the race with two other chairman aspirants and four vice chairman candidates.

In Kaukhali JSS supported candidate Arjun Moni Chakma withdrew from the race as well.

Nanirachar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Masud Parvez Majumder said that he has received an application by the candidates calling for the voting to be scrapped.

“I have informed the returning officer about the situation,” he said.

Rangamati Returning Officer SM Shafi Kamal said that he heard the matter.