DHAKA: Counting of votes began as by-election to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) ended Thursday (February 28) amid tight security measures and the boycott of BNP, some leftists and Islamic parties.
The voting started at 8:00am and continued till 4:00pm without any break though turnout of voters was low.
Asked, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda said not the Election Commission (EC) but the candidates and political parties are responsible for low turnout of voters in the ongoing polls to two Dhaka city corporations.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the Election Commission (EC) can’t be hold responsible for low voter turnout in ongoing elections in two city corporations. As a political party, Awami League is also not liable for low turnout of voters.
Expressing his hope to win the election, Awami League nominated mayor candidate Atiqul Islam said “If you (voters) come to the polling centers and vote me, then I am cent percent optimistic about victory”.
Besides, balloting in the election to councilor posts in the 36 new wards -- 18 under the Dhaka North City Corporation and 18 under the Dhaka South City Corporation – also ended and counting of votes has started.
Returning Officers told Banglanews that voting ended peacefully and counting is underway.
In the mayoral race, five candidates are contesting the DNCC by-polls.
The candidates are ruling Awami League candidate Atiqul Islam, Jatiya Party candidate Shafin Ahmed while Anisur Rahman Dewan from National People's Party, Shahin Khan from Progressive Democratic Party, and independent candidate Abdur Rahim.
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Boarder Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and police members have been deployed in the polling areas, to ensure smooth and flawless voting environment.
The government declared general holiday in the electoral areas for by-elections to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on the voting day
However, the mayor post of DNCC fell vacant after the death of Annisul Huq on Nov 30, 2017.
In DSCC, the unofficial results will be announced from Mohanagar Natyamancha in city’s Gulistan area. Multiple booths have already been installed there.
Returning officer of DSCC polls Rakib Uddin said the election was held in fair and peaceful manners. After counting, the results will be declared.
BDST: 1710 HRS, FEB 28, 2019
RS/SMS
