Tension erupts in Rangpur after recovery of six ballot papers

Tension flared on Monday morning after six tampered ballot papers and two seals were recovered from a polling station in Pirganj Upazila of the Rangpur-6 constituency.

The incident occurred at Hasarpara Government Primary School polling station in Madankhali Union.

Locals said some students who arrived at the school in the morning found six sealed ballot papers inside a classroom. Two of the ballots were stamped for the paddy sheaf symbol, while four were for the referendum.

When the matter was reported to the school headmaster, he seized the ballots and seals and informed the upazila administration. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Poppy Khatun arrived at the scene shortly after, but a crowd of agitated locals had already gathered and began protesting.

At one-point, angry crowd confined the UNO and vandalised her car amid allegations of vote rigging. Following this, additional police personnel arrived and restored order in the area.

The Assistant Returning Officer assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident.