The Election Commission (EC) has suspended the by-election to the Gaibandha-5 constituency following allegations of vote rigging through electronic voting machines (EVM) and driving opposition polling agents out of voting centres. 

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal made the announcement on Wednesday (12 October), some hours after saying that the by-election has "gone out of control."

The CEC explained that the voting was not being carried out in an orderly fashion.

"We could all see that the situation spun way out of control. You [the journalists] could see for yourself that there were people coming in and out of polling booths," Kazi Habibul told the reporters.

"However, we cannot immediately ascertain why this is happening," he further said, adding, "We can call those who don't obey the law, break rules, 'robbers and miscreants.' We all must abide by the law."

Earlier voting was suspended in some 44 polling stations in Gaibandha due to reported irregularities.

All four opposition candidates, including Jatiya Party (JaPa), boycotted the by-polls alleging vote rigging and voters being thrown out of the centres.

They announced their withdrawal from the election in a joint press conference today (12 October).

The four boycotting candidates are - HM Golam Shaheed Ranju from Jatiya Party, Jahangir Alam, independent candidate Nahiduzzaman Nishad and Mahbubur Rahman.

They demanded a free and fair environment for the polls. The candidates alleged that Awami League men are forcing the voters with the help of the administration.

Meanwhile, Election Commission Secretariat Joint Secretary  Asaduzzaman Arzu, said, "Voting has been suspended at 44 polling stations in the by-election.

"The decision has been taken following allegations of irregularities after the law and order situation in the area deteriorated."

Voting in the by-polls was being held in 145 polling stations, 88 centres in the constituency's Saghata upazila and 57 centres in Fulchhari upazila with EVMs.

The constituency, which fell vacant following the death of deputy speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, has some 339,434 voters from 17 unions.

Along with law enforcement agencies, some 1,242 CCTV cameras were installed at the polling centres to ensure a free and fair election.