The third phase of the upazila parishad elections is underway in 87 upazilas nationwide.

Voting began at 8:00 am and will continue until 4:00 pm.

Meanwhile, 36 percent of voters participated in the first phase, and 38 percent participated in the second phase.

The competition is mainly between independent candidates, predominantly from the ruling Awami League, as other political parties have abstained from fielding candidates. 

The BNP and other parties have chosen to boycott the elections, citing the Election Commission's inability to conduct free and fair local government elections,  as evidenced by their absence in the January 7 election as well.

During this phase, the Election Commission planned to hold elections in 112 upazilas, but elections were suspended in 22 upazilas due to Cyclone Remal. 

Elections in two upazilas were also halted by High Court orders and candidate deaths. In Pirojpur's Bhandaria upazila, no elections are being held as all chairman and vice chairman candidates were elected unopposed.

Overall, 1,152 candidates are contesting in this phase: 397 for chairman, 456 for vice chairman, and 299 for the reserved vice chairman positions for women. Approximately 2.08 crore voters are expected to vote at 7,450 polling centres.

BDST: 1131 HRS, MAY 29, 2024
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