115 upazila polls started today: 1 polling officer died in Joypurhat

The Dhaka Times Desk In the second phase, the election of 115 upazilas is being held today on Thursday. This election will start at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm. 1 polling officer died in Joypurhat field.

A polling officer named Palash Chandra Mohant (25) died while on duty at the polling station in Khetlal Upazila of Joypurhat. He died of cardiac arrest while polling at Tilabudul Abdul Majid High School polling station of the upazila at around 10 am on Thursday.

The second phase of the upazila elections started today in the 115 upazila polls amid various fears and panics. In the 2nd phase, the schedule of 117 upazilas was announced, but voting is not taking place in two upazilas today. Cox's Bazar's Maheshkhali upazila will vote on March 1 and Chandpur's Haimchar upazila elections are not taking place due to court stay order.

At the last minute, there were incidents of attacks and clashes at various places. One person has already died in election violence. The former MP's car was also attacked. Although there is no election campaign, these clashes between the supporters of the candidates took place in some places yesterday. The Election Commission has also expressed concern. Election Commissioner Shahnewaz expressed fear of violence. According to the commission, extra security has been taken in vulnerable centers due to fear of violence.

# An Awami League leader who was injured in a bomb attack during a public relations event in Noakhali's Sudharam died yesterday. He was injured during a mass meeting on Monday night.

# 5 people were injured in the attack and car vandalism during the meeting of agents of BNP supported candidates in Companyganj yesterday.

# An attack on former MP Sheikh Afil Uddin's car took place in Jessore's Jhikargacha.

A UP chairman was stabbed in Munshiganj over the # election.

It is believed that Awami League and BNP will have more political influence at the field level in the 2nd phase election as BNP supported candidates are ahead. However, extensive security measures are in place everywhere. Law enforcement agencies are said to be on alert.

Upazilas where elections are being held today

Baliadangi, Ranishankoil of Thakurgaon district. Tentulia of Panchagarh District, Kishoreganj of Nilphamari. Ghoraghat, Chirirbandar, Birampur, Birganj, Nageshwari, Rajarhat, Rajivpur of Kurigram district. Patgram, Sadar, Hatibandha of Lalmonirhat. Khetlal, Kalai, Sadar of Joypurhat. Badarganj of Rangpur, Palashbari of Gaibandha. Bogra Kahalu, Shibganj, Adamdighi, Shajahanpur. Gomstapur of Chapai Nawabganj, Atrai of Naogaon, Niamatpur, Patnitala, Badalgachi, Sadar, Sapahar, Bagatipara of Natore, Gurdaspur, Lalpur, Sadar. Tiger of Rajshahi. Pabna Chatmohar, Bhangura. Rush of Sirajganj. Gangni of Meherpur, Mujibnagar. Kushtia Kumarkhali, Khoksa, Mirpur. Chowagacha, Jhikargacha, Bagharpara, Sharsha of Jessore. Maheshpur of Jhenaidah. Mohammadpur, Shalikha, Magura. Barisal headquarters. Kachua of Bagerhat, Fakirhat. Dumuria of Khulna. Shyamnagar in Satkhira. Kaukhali of Pirojpur, Nazirpur. Bhola Charfashion, Borhanuddin. Jamalpur's Islampur, Bakshiganj, Melandah. Sakhipur in Tangail. Jhenaigati of Sherpur. Ishwarganj, Bhaluka, Sadar, Mymensingh. Kalmakanda, Khaliajuri, Purbadhala, Barhatta in Netrakona. Manikganj Sadar, Harirampur. Srinagar, Sadar, Munshiganj. Keraniganj, Savar, Dhaka. Shivpur of Narsingdi. Nagarkanda, Boalmari, Saltha of Faridpur. Rajair of Madaripur, Shivchar. Gopalganj Kotalipara, Sadar. Dirai of Sunamganj, Sunamganj Sadar. Balaganj of Sylhet. Chunarughat of Habiganj. Comilla's Devidwar, Manoharganj, Laksam. Sarail of Brahmanbaria. Faridganj of Chandpur, Matlab (W), Matlab (D), Sadar. Parashuram of Feni, Sadar. Kabirhat, Companyganj, Chatkhil, Sadar, Sonaimuri of Noakhali. Lakshmichari of Khagrachari, Kaptai of Rangamati, Naniarchar. Bandarban's Thanchi, Ruma, Rowangchari, Lama and Chittagong's Patia, Lohagra, Cox's Bazar Pekua, Chakaria.