AL secures landslide victory in 3rd phase municipal polls marred by violence

The ruling Awami League-nominated candidates are ahead in the third phase municipality polls held in 62 different municipalities amid reports of violence, irregularities and election boycotts.

According to the results, 45 Awami League candidates were elected mayors while BNP candidates won in 3 municipalities in different districts.

Meanwhile, independent mayoral candidates won in 14 districts.

Elections to 62 municipalities in 36 districts ended on Saturday amid reports of clashes and irregularities.

Several BNP, independent candidates had seen boycotting elections on allegations of rigging against ruling Awami League supporters. Besides, in two districts, five polling officers were withdrawn over negligence of their duties.

A total of 229 candidates ran for mayor, 2,360 for ward councillor and 755 for reserved seats of women ward councillors in the third phase of the municipality polls, according to the Election Commission.

The 62 municipalities that went to polls on Saturday include Ulipur in Kurigram, Jaldhaka in Nilphamari, Gobindaganj in Gaibandha, Hakimpur in Dinajpur, Rohanpur in Chapainawabganj, Mundumala and Keshorhat in Rajshahi, Shibganj, Nandigram, Dhunot, Gabtoli and Kahalu in Bogra, Sadar and Dhamoirhat in Naogaon, Singra in Natore, and Pabna Sadar.

The first and second municipal elections phase to 24 municipalities and 60 municipalities were held on 28 December and 16 January.

In the fourth phase, elections will be held in 56 municipalities on 14 February and polls in 31 municipalities will be held in the fifth phase on 28 February.