Sealed ballots spark protests, Pirganj UNO cordoned off

Chaos erupted in Rangpur’s Pirganj on Monday after six sealed ballot papers and two official seals were discovered at a school that had served as a polling station in the 12 February elections. 

The revelation sparked angry protests, with locals – including women armed with brooms –gathering outside the school and preventing Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Poppy Khatun from entering to inspect the site.

The incident took place at Hasar Para Government Primary School in Madankhali Union. According to eyewitnesses, students arriving at the school early in the morning stumbled upon six ballots — two with the stamped paddy sheaf symbol, two marked ‘yes,’ and two marked ‘no.’ Alarmed, the students immediately handed the ballots and seals to the headmaster, who quickly informed the UNO.

When UNO Poppy Khatun arrived to inspect the polling station, she was met with an angry crowd. Locals, including women wielding brooms, gathered at the school gate, shouting slogans and demanding explanations. At one point, the UNO was physically prevented from entering the premises. The demonstrations continued throughout the day, with tensions running high as of 4:30 pm.

Pirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sohel Rana said that authorities had been notified and law enforcement was working to restore order. “We are coordinating with higher authorities to ensure safety and prevent any escalation,” he said.

The discovery of the sealed ballots comes amid ongoing disputes in the Rangpur-6 (Pirganj) constituency election. Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Nurul Amin was declared the winner with 120,128 votes, narrowly defeating BNP candidate Saiful Islam, who secured 117,703 votes. BNP leaders and activists have been demanding a recount for the past three days, alleging irregularities and vote rigging.

Locals described the atmosphere as tense, with fear and suspicion spreading across the upazila. “We don’t know how these ballots ended up here. People are angry and want accountability,” said one resident, who declined to be named.

The Election Commission has yet to comment on the matter, and it remains unclear whether an official inquiry will be launched into the misplaced ballots. Meanwhile, security forces have cordoned off the school to prevent further disturbances.

Political analysts say the incident reflects the heightened tension in closely contested constituencies like Rangpur-6, where even minor irregularities can spark protests and unrest.