In Rangamati’s remote areas, voters encounter arduous journeys to reach polling stations, often walking for hours or staying overnight due to limited transport options. This challenge is most pronounced in Baghaichhari, Barkal, Belaichhari, and Juraichhari upazilas, where polling centers are situated far from hill villages, leading to low voter turnout and added election participation difficulties.
Rangamati district has 20 remote polling stations, with six in Baghaichhari, two in Barkal, seven in Juraichhari, and five in Belaichhari, as per the district election office. These remote stations, accommodating over 30,000 registered voters, require election materials and officials to be airlifted for logistics support.
Jaupui Thang Tripura, headman of Sealdai Mouza in Sajek union, highlighted the necessity for voters to embark on a day-long journey to the polling station, often staying overnight before casting their votes. Pratimani Chakma from Hagra Kijing shared her taxing experience of reaching the polling station around 10:00 am after starting the journey at 6:00 am, expressing doubts about the value of such hardships for voting.
Shanti Kumar Chakma from Moidong union pointed out that voters returning late at night after casting their votes might have to spend the night on the way if delayed, underscoring the transportation challenges faced by residents during elections. The lack of mobile network, internet access, and electricity at many polling stations further complicates communication and result transmission, according to Rangamati Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi.
To overcome these connectivity hurdles, wireless systems of security forces will be utilized for result transmission at centers without network access, while temporary power solutions will be arranged for centers lacking electricity, as per the district’s electoral strategy.
