Over hundred ballots stamped for sheaf of paddy recovered in Sherpur, 2 held

Law enforcement agencies have recovered over a hundred ballot papers already stamped in favour of the sheaf of paddy symbol from a polling centre in the Sherpur-1 (Sadar) constituency. Two individuals have been arrested in this connection. The incident took place around 9:30 am on Thursday at the South Nalbaid Government Primary School centre in Charmocharia union, Sadar upazila.

District Election Officer Jahangir Hossain said two BNP supporters tactfully collected over a hundred ballots and stamped them for the sheaf of paddy symbol. When the matter came to the presiding officer's attention, law enforcement was immediately informed. The stamped ballots were subsequently recovered, and the two accused were arrested. The recovered ballots will be cancelled, he added.

Assistant Returning Officer and Sherpur Sadar Upazila UNO Mahbuba Haque said the stamped ballots were caught before they could be dropped into the box. Necessary measures were taken immediately. Voting is currently normal at the centre.

Although tension prevailed outside the centre for some time following the incident, the situation was brought under control through the deployment of additional police. Election officials said the matter will be investigated and legal action taken.