Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday cancelled the by-election to Gaibandha-5 constituency over allegations of irregularities. The situation went out of control as outsiders entered the polling centers and started casting votes.
The CEC made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday noon after monitoring the voting situation of the by-polls through CCTV cameras from Election Commission Bhaban.
CEC said, "We cancelled voting at some 51 centers due to several anomalies. Later, we decided to cancel the vote at all centers. Voting at the constituency has been withheld."
"Further decisions will be taken regarding voting later on," he added.
He further said that they have received several allegations and proofs of irregularities.
The constituency fell vacant due to the death of veteran parliamentarian and deputy speaker of the Jatiya Sangshad Advocate Fazle Rabbi Miah. Gaibandha-5 constituency, consisting of Fulchhari and Saghata upazilas, has a total of 339,743 voters.
Five candidates are contesting the by-polls. They are - Mahmud Hasan Ripon (Awami League), Golam Shaheed Ranzu (Jatiya Party), Zahangir Hossain (Bikolpo Dhara), Nahiduzzaman Nishat (Independent) and Syed Mahbubur Rahman (Independent).
