Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmed on Thursday alleged that cash was being distributed on behalf of the BNP candidate in Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish) constituency.
He made the allegation after casting his vote at Chandanaish Sadar Government Primary School polling centre at around 9:30am. According to Oli Ahmed, complaints of money distribution have been coming from different villages over the past three days.
“Some individuals were caught red-handed. A few were detained by the army, while others were handed over to the police,” he told reporters.
Oli Ahmed’s son, Omar Faruk, is contesting the seat as a candidate of the 11-party alliance led-by Jamaat.
After voting, Oli Ahmed said ensuring a free and fair election is essential for establishing good governance.
“We must think about how to free the country from such practices in the future. Without a credible election, good governance is not possible,” he said, expressing optimism that the 11-party alliance would form the next government.
Earlier at 9am, Omar Faruk cast his vote at the same centre. He said voting had so far been peaceful, with no major complaints, though he had heard reports of cash distribution in some areas the previous day.
Presiding Officer Abul Fazal Md Mansur Ullah said the centre has 2,406 registered voters, and about 10 percent had cast their ballots by 9:30am. Polling agents representing most candidates were present.
Chattogram-14 has a total of 3, 13,513 voters -1,65,847 men; 1, 47,665 women and one third-gender voter. Voting is underway at 100 polling centres, with eight candidates in the race.
