For the first time, a woman is contesting for the post of chairman. Eleven other women are contesting for the three reserve seats for women, official sources said. This has created enthusiasm among women voters.

Election commitments of female candidates are also quite positive.

"I am contesting the polls to work for ensuring women's rights and to eliminate social discrimination," said Rabeya Begum the lone female candidate for the post of chairman.

Women's voters are also enthused by his. "This is because a woman can go without hesitation to her representative," said Sufia Begum a voted in Dhoail village.

"Women in Mohammadpur union have proved that they are conscious and have overcome fatwa (order by a cleric which has no legal basis) and other religious taboos," said a teacher of Aminur Rahman Degree College.

Adequate security personnel including BDR have been deployed in nine wards as all the polling centres were identified as vulnerable.

The election was deferred due to legal complexities over delimitation of areas.

A total of 13, 119 voters are expected to exercise their franchise.

Fifty-three candidates including six for the post chairman and 36 for nine posts of member are in the fray.