The counting of votes in the first phase of Union Parishad (UP) polls across the country began after voting at 717 UPs in 37 districts ended at 4:00pm amid various irregularities and sporadic violence in various districts.

The balloting in the first phase of the UP election began at 8:00am and continued till 4:00pm without any break.

According to reports, voting was marked with violence and anomalies in Noakhali, Mymensingh, Cox' Bazar, Comilla, Munshiganj, Patuakhali and Satkhira districts.

Dozens of people, including three election officials, were injured in the election violence in various places of the districts.

More to follow...