Gazipur votes in civic polls

Gazipur votes in City polls. Photo : Prothom Alo
Gazipur votes in City polls. Photo : Prothom Alo

Voting has begun in the much talked about Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) elections on Tuesday morning amid tight security and apprehension.

Candidates of the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and principal opposition the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are competing with their party symbols first time ever in this city polls.

AL’s Jahangir Alam and BNP's Hasan Uddin Sarkar, the main candidates for the mayoral polls, said they were optimistic about winning.

The voting started from 8:00am and will continue until 4:00pm uninterruptedly at 425 polling stations. The returning officer will announce the result after counting the ballots.

The mayoral aspirants left for polling station in the morning. They will be visiting several polling centres to monitor.

Members of law enforcement agencies including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were seen patrolling in and around the city including the city entrances in cars and motorcycles.

BNP’s Hasan Uddin expressed his apprehension about the election being fair.

Jahangir, on the other hand, said the vote would be free and fair.

“BNP is spreading such rumours in fear of defeat in polls,” Jahangir further said.

UNB adds: A general holiday has been announced for the day in the city corporation area and all factories and industries in the area were remained closed on the day.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are being used in six centres while closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed in two.

Seven mayoral candidates -- AL's Jahangir Alam, BNP's Hasan Uddin Sarker, CPB's Kazi Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Islami Oikya Jote's Fazlur Rahman, Islami Andolan Bangladesh's M Nasir Uddin, Bangladesh Islami Front M Jalal Uddin and independent runner Farid Ahmed -- are there in the race.

Besides, 254 general councillor and 84 reserved-seat female councillor candidates are participating in the elections. However, a councillor has already been elected unopposed.

A total of 1,137,736 voters -- 569,935 males and 567,801 females -- are expected to exercise their franchise in the election.

A total of 67 executive magistrates and 19 judicial magistrates will perform duties in the city corporation area from 24 to 27 June.

Authorities have deployed a total of 29 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members in Gazipur. The platoons will remain on duty till 27 June.

Earlier, the GCC polls were scheduled to be held on 15 May, while the High Court stayed it.

Later, the Appellate Division reviewed the High Court order and asked the election commission to hold the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) elections within 28 June.