The elections to the Dhaka North and South city corporations are being held amid sporadic clashes and allegations of BNP polling agents being driven out of the centres.
Law enforcers said that other than a few incidents, the elections were largely peaceful on Saturday (Feb 1).
The followers of Awami League-backed councillor aspirant Minu reportedly vandalised the polling booth of rebel candidate in Gendaria High School. Moreover, they took away the cards of the polling agents and drove them out of Faridabad High School.
“There were problems between supporters of the two candidates. But we have removed everyone and the situation is under control,” said Gendaria police Sub Inspector Abdullah Al Mamun.
Meanwhile, the supporters of AL-backed Abul Kasem’s assaulted the supporters of the rebel candidate in Adabor’s ward-30. Similar clashes were reported between the supporters of AL’s Kadam Ali and the rebel candidate.
A spot visit to the centres in Dhaka showed that the BNP-backed candidates are not active. Ward-16 councillor aspirant in Kalabagan Sirajul Islam was reportedly injured in an attack by rivals.
Supporters of Awami League and BNP clashed at ward 27, Bakshibazar Government Primary School where at least eight crude bombs went off. Voting at the centre was temporarily halted.
“There was a little problem here. Voting was halted for some time. Now the situation is under control,” said Presiding Officer Mostafizur Rahman.
Meanwhile, in Mohammadpur’s Jafrabad Agami News journalist Mostafizur Rahman Sumon was severely injured after being hit on the head by the supporters of the AL-backed councillor candidate. He has been admitted to Shikder Medical for treatment.
Despite the clashes, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal claimed that voting was taking place peacefully.
“Our law enforcers are carrying out their duties. If anyone has any complaints, necessary steps will be taken,” he said.
Responding to queries on BNP polling agents being driven out of the centres, he said that its BNP’s regular complaint.
