DHAKA: BNP called dawn-to-dusk hartal in nine upazilas for Thursday protesting vote rigging and capturing polling centres in the first phase upazila polls.

Joint secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the announcement in a press conference at Naya Paltan party office Wednesday afternoon.

The upazilas are: Meherpur Sadar, Bakerganj and Gaurnadi of Barisal, Sujanagar of Pabna, Kazipur of Sirajganj, Sonatala of Bogra, Jhenidah Sadar and Shailkupa and Bajitpur upazila of Kishoreganj district.

Rizvi alleged that ruling Awami League men with the help of administration rigged votes and captured polling centres.

He also criticized the government and the election commission in this connection.

BDST: 2100 HRS, FEB 19, 2014