Thakurgaon-1 by-election sees 30 percent turnout by 2pm in peaceful voting

Voting in the Thakurgaon-1 by-election was under way on Thursday (29 October) in a fair and peaceful atmosphere. Polling began at 8am.

Turnout in the constituency had reached 30 percent by 2pm, District Election Officer and Returning Officer Md Kamrul Islam said.

Thakurgaon-1 consists of the Sadar, Ruhia and Bhulli areas. Since voting began in the morning, voters have been going to centres to vote for their preferred candidate.

Extensive security measures were taken to keep the election fair and peaceful. Officials concerned said the overall law and order situation has so far remained normal.

Five candidates are contesting the by-election. BNP candidate Mirza Faisal Amin is contesting with the sheaf of paddy symbol, while 11-party alliance candidate Delawar Hossain is contesting with the scales symbol.

Also contesting are Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan candidate Md Abdul Alim Nizami with the banyan tree, Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Md Khademul Islam with the hand fan, and Bangladesh Congress candidate Hossain Mohammad Omar Faruk with the post symbol.

Thakurgaon-1 has a total of 516,138 voters, with polling at 185 centres. Voters at the centres said they were satisfied to be able to vote in a peaceful atmosphere, and presiding officers spoke of spontaneous participation by voters.

Police Superintendent Md Belal Hossain said there is no scope for rigging or influence in the election and that the law and order situation remains normal.

Deputy Commissioner Md Rafikul Haq said all necessary measures have been taken to make the by-election fair and impartial. Apart from a few minor incidents, voting is proceeding peacefully, and he expects the election to be completed in a peaceful atmosphere.