Voting begins in Barishal, Khulna city polls

Voting in City Corporation elections of Barishal and Khulna cities began this morning using electronic voting machines (EVMs).

The voting started at 8:00am and will continue until 4:00pm without any break.

A large number of voters were seen in Sayed Abdul Mannan DDF Alim Madrasa in Barishal, reports our correspondent from the spot.

Meanwhile, at least 50 male and female voters were seen standing at Pabla Sabuj Sangha Government Primary School centre in Khulna's ward no 6. One of the voters complained that there was some chaos in the beginning, reports our correspondent from the spot.

Sayed Abdul Mannan DDF Alim Madrasa centre in Barishal. Photo: Titu Das

In Barishal, 276,298 voters will vote to choose the mayor and councillors.

Of the voters, 137,489 are males, and 138,809 are females. Seven mayoral candidates, 118 general councillor candidates, and 42 reserved councillor candidates will vie in the elections.

In Khulna, 535,529 voters will vote to choose the mayor and councillors.

Of the voters, 268,833 are males, and 266,696 are women.

A total of 180 candidates are contesting the election. Of them, five are contesting for the mayor's post, 136 for the general councillor's post and 39 for the reserved ward councillor's post.

Pabla Sabuj Sangha Government Primary School centre in Khulna. Photo: Habibur Rahman

In Barishal, competition will be tough between Awami League mayor nominee Abul Khair Abdullah and Islami Andolon Bangladesh's Mufti Syed Faizul, city dwellers said.

But in Khulna, no one is likely to come close to AL mayoral candidate Talukder Abdul Khaleque. However, those running for the post of councillors will face fierce competition, locals said.