Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Tuesday said polls irregularities took place in 47 out of 50 constituencies it surveyed during the latest national election.

The constituencies were selected randomly, said the primary report of TIB published at its Dhanmondi office.

TIB reported the casting of fraudulent votes at one or more centres of 41 constituencies and ballot stuffing in 33 constituencies.

The anti-graft watchdog said polling stations were occupied in 30 constituencies and polling agents obstructed in 29 constituencies. Voters were forced to vote for a particular symbol in 26 constituencies while opposition leaders and activists were beaten up in 11 constituencies.

TIB recommended appointing honest and neutral people as the chief election commissioner and election commissioners. It also suggested investigating allegations of violence and breach of polls code and taking effective steps based on the findings.UNB.