Polling centre shift sparks controversy in Rangpur

RANGPUR, Oct 24: A decision to relocate a longstanding polling centre in Kolkond Union of Rangpur’s Gangachara upazila has sparked controversy, with residents alleging that the move could favour a local BNP leader and raise safety concerns for voters.

The polling centre at Saudpara Government Primary School in Ward No. 3 is set to be shifted to Chilakhal Government Primary School. Residents claim the new venue is close to the home of Mohsin Ali, vice-president of the ward BNP unit, who they say has lost four previous elections. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Residents Ashraf, Abdul Awal and Golam Mostafa said people in the area had voted at Saudpara Government Primary School since Bangladesh’s independence. They said they recently learned of the proposed relocation and submitted a written application to the authorities seeking to retain the existing centre.

Local Union Parishad member Nurun Nabi alleged that the decision was made without consulting local representatives or residents. He said the authorities should have held discussions and a public hearing before changing the venue. He also alleged that financial transactions may have influenced the decision but provided no evidence to support the claim.

Several women voters, including Hafeza, Romela and Laizu, raised concerns about the safety of the new location, saying its proximity to a river could put children, elderly people and those who are ill at risk.

Acting Kolkond Union Parishad chairman Shariful Islam said the council had received no official letter or notification about the change. He questioned whom election officials had consulted before making the decision.