The by-election to the Gaibandha-5 constituency, which fell vacant following the death of deputy speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, is set to be held on Wednesday.
This is the first with the constituency is using electronic voting machines (EVMs) instead of traditional ballot papers, reports Bangla Tribune.
Votings will start at 8am, and continue till 4pm at 145 polling centres in Phulchhari and Saghata upazilas. The constituency has some 339,434 voters from 17 unions, Returning Officer Saiful Islam told Bangla Tribune.
Most election equipment, including EVMs, were handed over to the election officers and presiding officers of the respective upazilas, he added.
The official also said that some 1,242 CCTV cameras have also been installed at the polling centres. On top of that, members of Bangladesh Police and Bangladesh Ansar will also be present to ensure a peaceful election environment.
In this regard, Gaibandha Superintendent of Police Touhidul Islam said they have taken extensive measures to avoid any untoward incidents during the polls.
Five candidates are participating in the polls. They are - Awami League candidates Mahmud Hasan Ripon Jatiya Party candidate AHM Golam Shahid Ranju, Jahangir Alam, independent candidate Nahiduzzaman Nishad and Syed Mahbubur Rahman.
On August 23, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the parliamentary by-election after a meeting held at the EC headquarters in the capital’s Agargaon with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal in the chair.
The Gaibandha-5 constituency, comprising Fulchhari and Saghata upazilas, fell vacant on July 23 and the Election Commission has a constitutional obligation to arrange the by-elections within 90 days.
