The New Nation - Internet Edition

Internet Edition. January 23, 2009, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM

UZ polls held amid violence : 200 injured, 30 arrested, turnout low, ballot papers-boxes snatched, polling held up in 6 upazilas, over hundred centres

Staff Reporter

The Upazila election was marked by widespread violence, lack of enthusiasm among voters, capturing of polling stations, snatching of ballot boxes, stuffing of ballot papers and violation of election code of conduct leaving over 200 people injured.
Members of law enforcing agencies arrested over 30 persons, including election officers, during the election on charge of violation of election code of conduct.
Election to six upazilas, out of all 481 upazila parishads, were postponed by the Election Commission on different charges including barring voters to cast their votes, snatching of ballot boxes, stuffing of ballot papers and showing influence of vested quarters.

Minister, MPs in upazilas during polls: CEC unhappy over political interference

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

The chief election commissioner has said he is unhappy about the low voter turnout and 'attempts by ministers and MPs' to influence the third Upazila Parishad election yesterday.
There were also influences of political parties in the balloting to elect local government representatives to 481 Upazila across the country, ATM Shamsul Huda said to reporters at his office.
"We'd expected that the election being held after 18 years would reflect the people's will and will re-establish Upazila Parishad. But [after the end of the elections] we've some dissatisfactions," he said.

Hillary sworn in as US Secretary of State

AFP, Washington

Hillary Clinton became President Barack Obama's top diplomat after pledging to fight climate change, push hard for Arab-Israeli peace and take a new approach to US foes like Iran. The confirmation came on Obama's first full day in office.
Clinton, a former Obama presidential campaign rival, was confirmed as secretary of state in a 94-2 vote in the Senate and was sworn into office in a ceremony attended by her husband, former president Bill Clinton.

AL bag 47, BNP 10, JP 2, Jamaat 9 chairman posts: Early results reflect trend of parliamentary polls

Staff Reporter

Unofficial results of upazila election received till hour going to be press before mid night last night indicated a repeat of the trends set in the December 29 parliamentary election.
Awami League candidates won the post of chairmen in 47 out of 70 upazila polls results were available till then.
BNP bagged 10 seats of chairmen while Jamaat-e-Islami 9, Jatiya Party (JP) 2, Workers Party 1 and Independent 1 posts of chairmen respectively.

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