Will accept result: Selim Osman

The Jatiya Party contestant of Narayanganj-5 by-poll says he would gracefully accept the result .

“There will be either victory or defeat. The day I signed the election paper I said I would welcome whatever the result is,” Selim Osman told reporters at the Narayanganj Club centre minutes after the voting began on Thursday morning.

Polling in the constituency started at 8am.

Osman is contesting the by-poll after the seat fell vacant following the death of his elder brother Nasim Osman, who was elected uncontested in the Jan 5 polls.

The ruling Awami League, which enjoys a two-third majority in Parliament, decided not to contest the poll leaving its partner in government Jatiya Party (JP) to fight it out.

Former Awami League leader SM Akram is fighting as an independent candidate challenging the influential Osman family of Narayanganj.

Akram on Wednesday alleged Selim Osman was trying to "occupy" the polling stations and doubted chances of a fair election.

However, election officials said voting was peaceful so far.

Selim Osman said, “Many people have doubted (chances of a fair poll). But no untoward incident has taken place.”

Others in the fray are Krishak Sramik Janata League's Shafiqul Islam Delowar and another independent aspirant Mamun Sirajul Majid.