Dhaka Bureau: Independent candidate for Dhaka-17 Constituency Tariqul Islam Bhuya has announced he will boycott the polls, alleging irregularities, rigging, and intimidation against the boat agents. He came to the Banani Model School center at 9 a.m. on Monday (July 17), and after visiting the center, he announced the boycott.
Abstaining from voting, he said, ‘I am a candidate. But at first, I was not allowed to enter the center. He further complained, ‘Every center is forcibly sealing the boat symbol. The Awami League and the administration have organized farce elections with mutual cooperation. For this reason, I am boycotting the election of comedy.
The candidate also alleged that the administration and election magistrates did not take any action despite being informed about the expulsion of the polling agents from the center. He said, “They (magistrates) are playing a silent role.” Earlier, the polling for the Dhaka-17 seat by-election started at 8 a.m. and will continue till 4 p.m. Votes are taken on ballot papers.
The election commission conducted the by-elections of the national parliament in EVMs, but the by-elections of the Dhaka-17 constituencies are being conducted on ballot papers. However, the polling booths are monitored by CCTV cameras.
