The much-awaited elections to Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) began on Sunday (Jan 16) morning.

The voting began at 8.00am and will continue till 4.00pm without any break. 

The government has already assigned 27 mobile teams run by the magistrates and deployed huge law enforcing agencies to hold the voting peacefully. Voters of NCC including 50 percent women are set to exercise franchise with enthusiasm.

The polls are being held through the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). So, 2,912 EVM machines were sent to Narayanganj, on the outskirts of the capital. Each center has one and a half times more EVM than required.  

The election commission earlier instructed outsiders to leave the city areas. Motorcycle plying has been banned in the area since Friday night.

Fourteen judicial magistrates have been appointed to conduct elections peacefully. Under the Penal Code, they will be able to carry out brief trials with filing cases.

Around 5,17,362 voters are expected to exercise their voting rights at 1333 polling booths in 192 centers of 26 wards. 

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has allowed 42 observers from 9 organizations to monitor the election. 

Returning Officer Mahfuza Akter earlier said no center was identified as risky as all the centers are being taken into special consideration. 

Although seven candidates are vying for the mayoral post, the main contest is expected to be held between Awami League contestant Dr Selina Hayat Ivy with ‘Boat’ and BNP veteran Taimur Alam Khandaker, who is running as an independent candidate, with ‘Elephant’.

Besides, there are 180 other candidates -- 148 against councillor posts and 32 for women reserved councillor posts – in the race.

BDST: 0915 HRS, JAN 16, 2022
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