Three Detained for Poll Interference

Three individuals have been detained in Faridpur-2 constituency on allegations of interfering with the electoral process and attempting to influence voters during polling in the ongoing National Parliament election. The arrests were made on Thursday afternoon from three separate polling centres in Saltha উপজেলা, following complaints of misconduct and violations of the electoral code of conduct.

According to district administration sources, Faridpur-2 comprises Nagarkanda and Saltha upazilas and has been widely regarded as a highly competitive seat in the current parliamentary contest. In anticipation of a closely fought election, authorities had implemented enhanced security arrangements across the constituency from the outset. On polling day, personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the police were deployed at strategic and vulnerable centres, operating both as patrol units and as striking forces.

The detained individuals have been identified as Kalam Mia, General Secretary of a union-level branch of a local political party in Gotti Union, along with Rabiul Mia and Amzad Hossain. Allegations indicate that they positioned themselves at Yusufdia Government Primary School, Narandia Government Primary School, and Joyjhapa Government Primary School polling stations respectively. They are accused of attempting to persuade voters to support a specific candidate, discouraging certain voters from entering polling stations, and chanting slogans that created tension in the vicinity.

Presiding officers at the respective centres promptly alerted the administration upon observing irregular activities. Army personnel stationed nearby intervened swiftly, bringing the situation under control and detaining the three accused. Although the incidents briefly heightened tension at the centres, polling was not suspended and subsequently continued in a peaceful manner.

Mohammad Saiful Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Saltha and Assistant Returning Officer, confirmed that legal proceedings had been initiated through a mobile court on charges of breaching electoral conduct rules. He reiterated the administration’s “zero tolerance” stance towards intimidation, undue influence, or any form of interference in the voting process.

The Faridpur-2 constituency features a contest between prominent candidates contesting under the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ and ‘Rickshaw’ symbols. Despite the rivalry among supporters, officials have maintained that overall polling has remained orderly.

A summary of the incident and security measures is provided below:

The district administration has urged voters to exercise their franchise without fear and to report any irregularities immediately. Officials expressed confidence that coordinated security deployment and vigilant monitoring would ensure a free, fair, and credible election outcome in the constituency.