They have started campaign hot on the heels of Election Commission's declaration of polls schedule for Gaibandha and Gobindaganj municipalities.

The polls will be held on May 6 at Gaibandha and on May 8 at Gobindaganj.

Nomination papers will be accepted on April 11 and scrutinised on the following day. April 19 is the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers, according to the EC's schedule announced earlier.

Posters in favour of prospective candidates have appeared on walls and leaflets are being distributed. The candidates have started informal campaign, holding small gatherings and bringing out processions to woo voters. They are promising steps to eliminate crimes, improve civic amenities and bring about development.

Eight candidates are likely to vie for the post Gaibandha pourashava chairman. They are incumbent chairman Anwarul Hasan Sabur of Awami League; former chairman Waheduzzaman Titu, advocate Sekender Azam Anam and TM Abu Baker Siddique of BNP; Sahadat Hossain Suja of Awami League, incumbent municipal commissioner Shamsul Alam, Advocate Rafiqul Islam Sarder and businessman Abul Hossain.

In Gobindaganj pourashava, seven prospective candidates have launched informal campaign. They are incumbent chairman Ataur Rahman Sarker, Abul Kalam Azad and Mokadesh Ali Badu of Awami League; FAruk Ahmed and Sanower Hossain Dipu of BNP and Mojibar Rahman Ful Mia.

Though local body election is held on non-party basis, interested candidates have started hectic lobbying for party back-up in the polls.

Many of the candidates meanwhile set up campaign camps in different areas of the towns.