In the third phase of upazila polls on Wednesday voters exercised their  rights in a free and fair environment, Awami League  General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said.

"We have come to know initially that approximately 35 per cent of votes have been cast but final figure will be known tomorrow,' he said in a post-election press briefing this afternoon.

"Except for two stray incidents, the election was held in a festive atmosphere. “No casualties were reported so far,” he added.

Nearly 35 per cent vote cast in third phase upazila polls: CEC

At that time, Quader, on behalf of the Awami League, thanked the Election Commission and all others involved for holding the election peacefully.

Regarding voter turnout, he said they thought it would be low due to the effects of the cyclone.

"Roads were destroyed in many places due to the influence of cyclone Remal. In this situation, a voter turnout of 35 percent or more is fairly satisfactory," Quader stated.

BNP claimed that ex-IGP Benazir and former army chief Aziz Ahmad were created by the Awami League. Replying to such a question,  Awami League general secretary posed a counter question and said Ashraful Huda, Rakibul Huda, Kohinoor - who created them? Who created the powerhouse of corruption "Hawa Bhaban"? Did BNP bring them under justice? Sheikh Hasina has this courage. That is why she declared zero tolerance against corruption.

Govt’s existence has already been tainted by widespread corruption: Fakhrul

Awami League Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Liberation War Affairs Secretary Mrinal Kanti Das, Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Aminul Islam Amin, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, Deputy Office Secretary Advocate Sayem Khan were also present.