BNP scores in local polls

The Khaleda Zia-led BNP put up a strong show on Wednesday in the country-wide first phase elections of upazilas or sub-districts.

Polling for 97 upazilas was held in a peaceful manner and amid festivity.

Pro-BNP candidates won 44 chairman posts while the Awami League-supported candidates bagged 34.

BNP’s partner Jamaat-e-Islami, which was deregistered by the court as its charter contravened the Constitution, claimed 12 upazila chairman posts. In some places local Jamaat leaders won against both the Awami League and BNP candidates.