In Rangamati, five chairman candidates and seven vice-chairman candidates have boycotted the upazila parishad elections.
In Baghachhari upazila, the candidates of both ethnic community-based party Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and its rival faction MN Larma group boycotted the polls on Monday.
PCJSS candidate and outgoing upazila parishad Chairman Bororishi Chakma and his three vice-chairman candidates alleged that his rival’s supporters had been intimidating polling officers at centres at gunpoint and stuffing the ballots.
Also Read- Two polling officials, 5 Ansar members shot dead in Rangamati
“From the morning, my supporters have been prevented from coming to vote. MN Larma group’s cadre, many of them outsiders, have taken position on the streets with arms, but the administration has taken no steps,” he said.
His rival and former upazila chairman Sudarshan Chakma could not be reached for comments.
Chairman candidates Rupon Dewan, Jontina Chakma and Panchanan Chakma of Naniarchar, and Arjun Moni Chakma of Kaukhali also boycotted the elections.
