BNP’s Barisal Metropolitan unit called for a daylong strike in the city and Sadar Upazila on Sunday to protest the incidents.

Chairman candidate Quazi Enayet Hossain told a media briefing on Thursday he was withdrawing from the contest.

Hossain alleged his agents were not allowed into most polling stations and some agents were driven out in a few centres.

He also alleged supporters of the Awami League candidate had snatched away ballot papers.

Returning officer Dulal Takukder said he would investigate the allegations.

Assistant Presiding Officer withdrawn

A mobile court withdrew assistant presiding officer of Karnakathi High School polling station of Sadar Upazila for failing to stop irregularities and negligence of duty.

Polling remained suspended at the centre for an hour following the incident.

Police detained Sajjad Hossain on the order of an executive magistrate around 10.30am, said Selim Ahmed, presiding officer of the polling station.

Magistrate Rubel Mahmud said they had found sealed ballot papers on the desk of the assistant presiding officer.

The assistant presiding officer was not shown detained but he was withdrawn from the polling station, he said.

2 held over rigging

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel detained two men at Sarasi Government Primary School centre in Sadar Upazila for alleged rigging, said Sub-Inspector Ali Hossain Duari stationed in the polling centre.

Those detained are Md Parvez and Babul Miah.