United News of Bangladesh

Barishal-3 (Babuganj–Muladi) candidate Barrister Fuad has congratulated his opponent, Zainul Abedin, on his electoral victory, expressing gratitude to the voters and party leaders who supported him throughout the campaign. In a Facebook post on Friday morning, he thanked the 61,192 respected voters who stood by him in support of justice, freedom, and a new political arrangement. He also expressed special gratitude to the leaders and activists of the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat and NCP, for their tireless efforts in working for his electoral symbol. Voting in Bangladesh’s national election concluded on Thursday in a largely peaceful atmosphere, raising hopes of restoring genuine democracy and securing a strong mandate for national reforms. Polling began at 7:30am and continued until 4:30pm without interruption at 42,659 polling stations across 299 of the country’s 300 constituencies, amid the deployment of nearly one million security personnel and another one million polling staff. Alongside the parliamentary election, voters also participated in a referendum to express their views through ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes on proposals for several constitutional amendments.

Joint forces on Thursday detained a BNP leader from Babuganj upazila in Barishal-3 constituency over his alleged involvement in an attack on AB Party leader Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad last year. The detainee, Rajon Sikder, is the general secretary of Rahmatpur union BNP. He was picked up around 3pm from in front of a degree college in the upazila, local sources said. Rajon is accused of leading the December 7 attack on Fuad, an AB Party candidate backed by an 11-party alliance in the Barishal-3 (Babuganj-Muladi) seat. Witnesses said Rajon went to Rajkar Secondary School polling centre when an army vehicle arrived and detained him. His family members later gathered and stood in front of the vehicle in protest. Barishal Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Khairul Alam Sumon reached the spot as law enforcers brought the situation under control by charging batons. Rajon was later taken towards Babuganj upazila headquarters. According to sources, Fuad had alleged that local people demanded extortion money from a bridge contractor following the foundation stone laying of Mirganj Bridge. A viral video showed Rajon leading those who surrounded and harassed him. Police said Rajon had not yet been handed over to them.