Dhaka-17 by-polls being held peacefully, but turnout low: EC Rashida

Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana said the Dhaka-17 by-election is being held peacefully but with low voter turnout.

Briefing reporters around 12.30pm after monitoring the polling through CCTV cameras, Rashida also said actions would be taken against the presiding officer of the polling centre at Dhaka Cantonment Board Adarsha Bidyanikaton, who barred journalists from entering the station.

She said the low turnout may be because the lawmaker who will be elected will have a short term, as the national election is slated for late this year or early next year.

"Some parts of the constituency are elite areas; they might have less interest. We expect the turnout to increase," Rashida said.