Ensure fair by-poll in Narayanganj: Dr Kamal to CEC

Dr Kamal Hossain has requested the chief election commissioner (CEC) to make sure the Narayanganj-5 by-poll is held peacefully.

The senior lawyer along with Nagarik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Khalekuzzaman, general secretary of a faction of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BaSaD), went to the Election Commission around 10am on Thursday.

Voting in the Narayanganj by-poll began at 8am.

“We all expect a free and fair by-election in Narayanganj. We want concerned officials to discharge their duty positively,” Kamal Hossain told reporters after coming out of the meeting with CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad.

Hossain, chief of Gonoforum, said they met the CEC not as political leaders but as conscious citizens.

Dr Kamal (File Photo)

Nagarik Oikya leader Manna said the commission officials promised to discharge their duty without fear or favour.

“Let’s see what they actually do, " he said.

BaSaD leader Khalequzzaman said the entire country's attention was focused on this by-poll.

“We hope people will be able to exercise their franchise freely and elect the candidate of their choice,” he said.

The seat fell vacant after the death of Jatiya Party MP Nasim Osman.

The Election Commission took up tight security measures to ensure smooth voting in the backdrop of fear following the multiple murders in Narayanganj City.