Gaibandha-1 by-polls today

A by-election will be held today in the constituency of Gaibandha-1, which fell vacant following the murder of ruling Awami League lawmaker Manzurul Islam Liton in December last year.

Seven candidates are vying for the post including AL-nominated Golam Mostafa Ahmed and Jatiya Party-nominated Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari. Over 3.33 lakh voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Additional law enforcers will be present at 54 "important" polling stations out of the total 109, said Returning Officer GM Shahatab Uddin.

Over 1,850 law enforcers, seven Border Guard Bangladesh platoons and 27 executive magistrates will be deployed alongside seven patrol boats in remote shoal areas, said police and district authorities. 

Liton was killed after unknown assailants opened fire on him inside his home at Sundarganj upazila on December 31. The Election Commission announced the polls schedule on February 5.