5th phase polls underway in 29 municipalities

The fifth phase election is progressing in 29 municipalities under 20 districts across the country today.

Voting started at 8:00am and will continue till 4:00 pm.

In Jhenaidah, two people were injured in a chase and counter-chase between the supporters of two councillor candidates in Kaliganj municipality around 9:00am.

Later, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members brought the situation under control.

BGB members bring the situation under control after a chase and counter-chase in Kaliganj municipality of Jhenidah. Photo: Star

Executive Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun said tension arose in the area due to the incident in the morning but the situation is normal now.  

Returning Officer M Rokonuzzaman said a huge number of police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh personnel and magistrates have been deployed to ensure a free and fair election to Kaliganj and Moheshpur municipalities.

In Chapainawabganj, voting is going on in Nachol municipality where presence of women voters is noticeable. 

Women standing in lines to cast their votes at Pilot High School centre. Photo: Star

Voters are casting their votes using electronic voting machines (EVMs) at all the 10 centres, reports our Chapainawabganj correspondent.

Returning Officer Motawakkil Rahman said voting is going on peacefully there. 

The Election Commission is holding the polls, which take place every five years, in six phases.

A total of 100 candidates are running for mayor at the 29 municipalities. The number of candidates for general councillor posts and those for the reserved seats for women are 1,270 and 342.

About 13.84 lakh people are eligible to vote today.

The candidates from the Awami League and BNP are favourites in most municipalities but other parties, including the Jatiya Party and Islami Andolon, have mayor candidates in some municipalities.

Ruling AL mayor candidates have clinched sweeping victories in the first, second, third, and fourth phases of the election.