JP retains Kurigram-3

Jatiya Party (JP) candidate Akkas Ali Sarker won the by-polls to Kurigram-3 by 2,703 votes.

Akkas, whose electoral symbol is a plough, led the race with 82,598 votes, with Awami League candidate MA Matin and his boat symbol close behind with 79,895 votes.

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A total of 1,64,346 out of 3,63,075 voters exercised their franchise in the by-polls, which resulted in a 45.27 per cent voter turnout. 

Of the votes cast, 1,853 were declared to be spoiled.

The parliamentary seat fell vacant after the death Jatiya Party MP AKM Maidul Islam on May 11.

The JP, now the main opposition, has 40 seats in parliament -- 35 general seats and five seats reserved for women.