Poll materials taken to centres in Narayanganj City

The Election Commission (EC) has started sending polls materials to voting centres in Narayanganj for the city corporation elections.

Almost half a million voters are expected to exercise their franchise on Thursday at 174 polling stations. Polling starts at 8am and close at 4pm.

The candidates ended their campaigns officially on Tuesday night, two days before the voting.

"We have completed all preparations. On the matter of security, special attention will be given to 137 centres identified as vulnerable. Stern actions will be taken to thwart untoward incidents," said Returning Officer Nuruzzaman Talukder.

Naryanganj polls at a glance

*Voters 474,931;

* Voting from 8am to 4pm;

* Seven mayor candidates; 156 aspirants for 27 councillor posts; 38 running for 9 women's reserved councillor posts;

*1,424,793 ballot papers printed;

* 4,000 election officials;

* 9,500 personnel from different security forces deployed;

The elite police unit Rapid Action Battalion were found on Wednesday deploying its dog squad and bomb disposal unit as part of the security measures.

It has also set up security checkpoints at several locations.

As many as 600 RAB personnel have been deployed along with police and the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) as the 'strike force' for Thursday's voting.