Voting at a centre in Mahmudpur Government Primary School in Sirajganj sadar upazila has been suspended due to allegations of rigging and irregularities.
Returning Officer Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Firoz Mahmud suspended the voting around 2am on Sunday.
District Election Officer Abul Hossain confirmed the matter, saying the decision was made after irregularities were found.
Meanwhile, two assistant presiding officers assigned to perform their duty at that centre have been detained for their involvement in the matter. They are Belal Hossain and Abdul Alim.
Moreover, six other election officials – including Presiding Officer Anwar Hossain – are being questioned over the matter.
District Election Officer Abul Hossain said: “Upon hearing allegations from presiding officer Anwar, members of Rapid Action Battalion and the police conducted a drive at that centre around 2am.
“During the drive, law enforcement found the allegation of irregularities to be true,” he said.
“Under the circumstances, voting at that centre was suspended as per direction of the district returning officer. The people responsible for the matter are being questioned,” he added.
The first phase of elections for 78 Upazila Parishads in 12 districts began Sunday morning.
Voting started at 8am and will continue till 4pm, without any break.
