Voters are concerned that today’s municipal polls might witness clashes between supporters of partisan mayoral candidates as at least 86% polling centres in Chittagong district have been identified as risky.
According to a report prepared by intelligence agencies, a total of 114 polling centres out of 133 in 10 municipality areas of the district have been declared risky.
Law enforcers said all polling centres of Baryarhat, Mirsarai, Raozan and Chandanaish municipalities in Chittagong district have been identified as risky.
There are nine polling centres under Mirsarai, nine under Baryarhat, 19 under Raozan and 16 under Chandanaish municipalities.
Police divided all polling centres into two categories-‘general’ and ‘important’.
The ‘important’ centres are being considered risky. As many as 114 polling centres are being considered ‘important’ against 19 of the ‘general’ centres.
“The list was prepared in accordance with a report prepared by the intelligence agencies. Additional police will be deployed in the important centres,” said Abdul Awal, Chittagong additional superintendent of police.
As many as 14 polling centres out of 15 in Sandwip, 11 out of 13 in Sitakunda, 8 out of 11 in Rangunia, 14 out 18 in Patiya, 8 out of 12 in Sitakunda and 6 out of 11 in Banshkhali have been declared risky.
Police said there will be a four-tier security around every ‘risky’ polling centre to ensure fair and peaceful voting. Regular police, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh and an additional team of the police personnel will also be deployed to control the law and order situation in such risky centres during the polls.
“One platoon of BGB personnel will remain deployed in every municipality. We have undertaken all preparations required for holding the polls in a peaceful manner,” said AKM Hafiz Akhter, Chittagong superintendent of police.
According to the information provided by Chittagong Regional Election Office, a total of 55 mayoral candidates are contesting in 10 municipalities under Chittagong district and 5 municipalities under Chittagong Hill Tracts. Besides, 516 aspirants as general councillor and 125 aspirants in reserved seats for women are vying for the forthcoming polls.
Ten municipalities of Chittagong where the polls are going to be held are Sandwip, Banshkhali, Chandanaish, Satkania, Mirsarai, Patiya, Raozan, Rangunia, Baryarhat and Sitakunda. Five municipalities under Chittagong Hill Tracts are Khagrachhari, Matiranga, Bandarban, Lama and Rangamati.
