Islami Andolan Bangladesh's candidate for Barisal City Corporation, Obaidur Rahman, has boycotted the city elections with complaints of widespread vote rigging and manipulation by the ruling party.

Obaidur announced the decision from a press conference at Barisal Press Club around 11:25am, more than three hours after the voting began, our local correspondent reports.

Meanwhile, BNP's candidate for Barisal City Corporation, Mujibur Rahman Sarwar also boycotted the city elections with similar complaints around noon.