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Intimidation of minority voters, rigging feared

Several Barisal candidates lodge complaint with RO office

Emran Hossain and RAFIQUL Islam, from Barisal
The election atmosphere seems to have taken a turn as many candidates in different constituencies apprehend vote rigging in and intimidation of minority community following what they said return of some criminals.
Several candidates have already complained to Barisal district returning officer about return of outlaws in the ir areas.
Barisal Police Superintendent Taufique Mahbub Chowdhury, said, "We have taken into account the complaints submitted by contestants to the returning officer. We are working on it."
The administration did not identify any polling centre as risky but selected 302 centre out of total 447 as 'important'. There are 13,19087 voters in the city, including 6,74669 female voters.
Interestingly, the death of alleged outlaw Satla Union Parishad chairman Abu Zafar
Mollah in crossfire yesterday morning, Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu, contesting from Barisal-2, said it is a 'minus point' for him before the election.
“Zafar Mollah had returned to normal life. His death would be a minus point for me," Santu told reporters.
Zafar Mollah, caught with firearms on Friday night, used to support Santu, sources claimed.
Syed Shahidul Haque Jamal, an independent candidate from Barisal-2 constituency, said, "I am afraid that any untoward incident may take place any time as criminals have entered my constituency.’’
Zafar Mollah's death will be a plus point in maintaining law and order and ensuring security to minority voters, said grand alliance candidate Monirul Islam in the same constituency.
"My party men are vigilant about security of minority voters. I will ensure their security this time."
The alleged criminals who returned to Barisal-1 constituency in last several days Include Sahedul Alam Sentu, president of Poura Jubo Dai; Shamim Khalifa, a Jubo Dal leader; and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Mizanur Rahman Akabar. They allegedly prevented minority community people from casting vote in 2001 election.
"I apprehend any big Incident may take place as many criminals and miscreants have returned to their fields,” said Talukder Md Younus, who is contesting from Barisal-1 constituency.
Contestant Engineer Abdus Subhan in the same constituency also admitting that minority community voters were barred from going to polling centers in 2001 election. He said, "Last time Jahir Uddin Swapan, who contested from BNP, failed to ensure security of minority voters. This year none will be barred from voting. Why should I bar Hindu voters
when it is sure they will vote forme?”
Four-party alliance candidate Sclima Rahman in Barisal-3 blamed grand alliance candidate Golam Kibriya Tipu and rival candidate Jaynul Abedin for sheltering outlaws and criminals.
Asked, Tipu said, "Sellma Rahman can say anything as she is third among the three main contestants. There is nothing to be afraid"
Grand alliance candidate Col. (retd) Jaheed Faruq corp-plained against four-party alliance candidate Mojibur Rahman Sarwar that he was giving money to people in shanties in the city and intimidating them.
ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, contesting from Barisal-6 with grand alliance ticket, told The Daily Star, “Five Union Parishad chairman are preventing his supporter from campaigning and he apprehends violence.”