Three Arrested Over Poll Interference in Faridpur

Three individuals, including a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), were detained on Thursday on allegations of attempting to influence voters and interfere with the polling process in the Faridpur-2 parliamentary constituency. The arrests took place during voting hours in Saltha upazila, amid stringent security measures imposed to safeguard the integrity of the election.

Members of the Bangladesh Army detained the trio from three separate polling stations—Yusufdia Government Primary School, Narandia Government Primary School, and Joyjhapa Government Primary School—during the early afternoon. The Faridpur-2 constituency comprises Nagarkanda and Saltha upazilas and has been regarded as one of the more closely contested seats in the ongoing national election.

The detainees were identified as Kalam Mia, General Secretary of the BNP’s Gotti Union unit; Md Rabiul Mia, described as a BNP supporter; and Amzad Hossain, a supporter of the ‘Rickshaw’ symbol representing Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, a partner of the 11-party alliance.

According to administrative sources, the three individuals positioned themselves at different centres and allegedly attempted to exert undue influence over voters. Complaints were also raised that, in certain instances, they discouraged or obstructed voters from entering polling stations. Presiding officers at the affected centres reported that several outsiders became involved in verbal altercations with voters and were seen chanting slogans in favour of a specific candidate, leading to a brief period of tension.

Security personnel intervened swiftly to defuse the situation. The individuals were detained without further disturbance to the voting process.

Mohammad Saiful Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Saltha and Assistant Returning Officer for the constituency, confirmed the arrests. He stated that legal proceedings had been initiated through a mobile court. “Any attempt at electoral malpractice, intimidation, or disruption will be dealt with strictly. The administration is implementing a zero-tolerance policy,” he said.

The Faridpur-2 seat has drawn attention due to a competitive contest between prominent candidates. Shama Obaed Islam, the BNP’s Central Organising Secretary, is contesting under the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, while Allama Shah Akram Ali is running with the ‘Rickshaw’ symbol. Despite political tensions among supporters, authorities maintain that voting has been largely peaceful under close supervision.

District officials reported that additional security measures were implemented at vulnerable polling centres. Alongside the Army, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the police were deployed for patrol duties and as striking forces.

A summary of the incident and related security arrangements is provided below:

The district administration has urged voters to exercise their democratic rights freely and without fear, and has encouraged the prompt reporting of any irregularities. Officials expressed confidence that coordinated security arrangements and vigilant oversight would ensure a free, fair, and orderly election.