By-poll in Narayanganj-5 constituency has begun amid tight security.
Published : 26 Jun 2014, 10:12 AM
Polling started at 8am on Thursday and would continue until 4pm.
Election officials say voter turnout was low so far and hoped it might pick up later in the day.
Adequate deployment of police and para-military personnel have been made at polling centres to avoid untoward incident.
Authorities have deployed an additional 20 policemen in each of 98 risky voting stations, beside the normal deployment.
Moreover, there are 22 police mobile teams and 18 RAB mobile teams keeping a watch on the situation.
Border Guard Bangladesh personnel are also stationed at the centres.
Mohsin Chowdhury, presiding officer of Narayanganj Club polling station, said voter turnout was low.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Opposition Jatiya Party (JP) MP Nasim Osman on Apr 30.
The ruling Awami League decided to leave the seat for JP.
Nasim’s brother Selim Osman is contesting as the JP candidate.
Former Awami League leader SM Akram is fighting as an independent candidate.
Krishak-Shramik Janata League aspirant Shafiqul Islam Delwar and independent candidate Mamun Sirajul Majid are also in the fray.
The constituency has about 350,000 voters and 141 polling stations.
Osman cannot vote as he is not listed under this constituency.
The Election Commission took up stringent security measures to ensure smooth voting in the light of fear following the murder of seven in Narayanganj City.