, Oct. 29 -- Nine polling officials have been withdrawn from their election duties in the Thakurgaon-1 by-election following allegations that they directly or indirectly supported the ruling party.

The officials were replaced after the allegations surfaced, District Election Officer and Returning Officer Kamrul Islam told reporters on Wednesday night.

The withdrawn officials included teachers from different educational institutions and a bank official.

They are Masud Rana, assistant presiding officer at Sabuj Government Primary School polling centre in Thakurgaon municipality; Zainal Abedin of Thakurgaon Government College polling centre; Julfikar Ali of Thakurgaon Road Girls' High School polling centre; and Farida Yasmin of Gopalpur G...