Police in Kalapara Upazila, Patuakhali District, have detained three individuals in connection with electoral fraud and unauthorised photography during the 13th parliamentary election. The incidents have raised concerns among local residents regarding the transparency and integrity of the voting process.
The events occurred on Thursday, 12 February, in the early hours of polling. Preliminary reports indicate that at 9:30 a.m., 16-year-old Tohid Islam and his 46-year-old associate, Sohar Sikdar, were apprehended at the Khepubura Nesaruddin Kamil Madrasa polling station in Kalapara while attempting to cast fraudulent votes.
Meanwhile, at the Islampur Dakhil Madrasa polling station in Kuakata Municipality, 46-year-old Belal Hossain was arrested for taking photographs inside the voting booth without authorisation. Under Bangladesh’s electoral law, photography inside polling stations is strictly prohibited to preserve voter privacy and ensure the transparency of the electoral process.
All three individuals remain in police custody. The local administration has confirmed that legal proceedings will follow under the supervision of a judicial magistrate.
Kalapara Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Kausar Hamid stated:
“We are maintaining the highest level of vigilance to safeguard the security and integrity of the election process. Legal action will be taken against the accused in accordance with the court’s directives.”
A summary of the incidents is presented in the table below:
| Polling Station | Time | Name | Age | Allegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khepubura Nesaruddin Kamil Madrasa, Kalapara | 12 Feb, 9:30 a.m. | Tohid Islam | 16 | Attempted fraudulent voting |
| Khepubura Nesaruddin Kamil Madrasa, Kalapara | 12 Feb, 9:30 a.m. | Sohar Sikdar | 46 | Attempted fraudulent voting |
| Islampur Dakhil Madrasa, Kuakata | 12 Feb, 9:00 a.m. | Belal Hossain | 46 | Unauthorised photography |
Police sources emphasised that preventing such incidents is a core responsibility during elections. Voters have been advised to remain vigilant, while polling officials are instructed to implement strict supervision to deter malpractice.
The local administration and law enforcement agencies have jointly launched an investigation. Additional measures have been introduced to strengthen security and monitoring at polling centres, ensuring that the electoral process remains impartial, transparent, and trustworthy. Authorities reiterated their commitment to upholding electoral integrity and maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.