Upazila polls in Bandarban’s Ruma, Thanchi, and Rowangchhari suspended

Election Commission has suspended elections in three upazilas in Bandarban amid ongoing joint operations in the area following robberies at three bank branches by the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).

The election regulator now says voting will be held in these upazilas at a later time when convenient.

This announcement came after an inter-ministry meeting on the 6th Upazila Elections led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal was held at the EC’s headquarters on Tuesday.

Top officials of various ministries and organisations including four election commissions, public security department, public administration, police, BGB, RAB were also present during the meeting.

“Law enforcing officials and the administration have been directed to act in coordination,” said EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam following the end of the three-hour long meeting.

"We have decided to postpone the elections based on the information provided by the intelligence agencies. Law enforcing officials will be deployed per the demand during the four phases of the elections."

The EC had previously announced polls in Thanchi and Rowangchari on May 8 and in Ruma on May 21.

The first phase of the 6th upazila council elections will begin on May 8 with polls in 150 upazilas, the second phase is on May 21 with polls in 161 upazilas. The fourth phase of polls is set for Jun 5.