DHAKA: Counting of votes is underway as voting in the second phase of 5th upazila parishad elections ended in 116 upazilas amid tight security measures Monday (Mar 18).

Begun at 8am, the balloting continued till 4pm, without any break.   

Four chairmen candidates, including Awami League nominated Askir Khan in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar, boycotted the elections while two Vice chairmen candidates, including Md Akhtar Hossain (candle) in Rangunia upazila of Chattogram, boycotted the elections. 

Besides, voting suspended at three centers in Panchhari upazila elections.  

Election Commission Secretary Heleluddin Ahmed said voting in the second phase of 5th upazila parishad elections was held in peaceful and fair manner.

As many as 1,79,09,006 people are supposed to cast their ballots, in 7,039 polling centers set up in the 116 upazilas.

337 candidates are vying for chairmen posts while 548 and 400 candidates are contesting for vice chairmen and women vice chairmen posts respectively. 

Monday has been declared a holiday in the polling areas.

As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission (EC), voting will be held in third phase on Mar 24, fourth phase on Mar 31 and fifth phase on Jun 18.

The first phase polls held on Mar 10.

BDST: 1901 HRS, Mar 18, 2019
RS/SMS