DHAKA, 31 January 2021, (TON):   The third phase election to 62 municipalities ended across the country Saturday amid reports of violence and election boycott by BNP candidates. Candidates of the ruling Awami League have been unofficially elected from majority of the municipalities that went to polls in the third phase. There were reports of clashes, allegations of vote rigging, polling centre capture, and boycotts. In the earlier phase in Sirajganj municipality, Tarikul Islam, 45, was killed  by his rivals when he was celebrating his victory on the basis of unofficial results.   

The Election Commission (EC) is conducting the polls in five phases and till now third phase of it has been completed. The main contest of ballots is between two arch-rival political parties -- the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Other parties include Jatiya Party and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. A total of 229 people ran for mayoral posts at the 62 municipalities in 36 districts. There were 2,360 councillor candidates and 755 women's reserve seat candidates. Fifty-six municipalities will go for election on February 14 in the fourth phase. Of them, EVM will be used in 31 municipalities. Elections to 31 municipalities will be held in the fifth phase on February 28, using EVM.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid ensured proper probe regarding complaints through Election Commission and has asked all the candidates and their supporters to remain calm and peaceful and work with more zeal and enthusiasm in their respective municipalities once they are elected.