Narsingdi, Bangladesh (BBN) - By-election for Narsingdi pourasava mayoral seat, vacated following the killing of Lokman Hossain, is going on Thursday.
People started voting using electronic voting machines (EVM) at 8:00am (local time), which will continue till 4:00pm without any break.
Webcams have been installed at all 198 booths of 31 voting centres for monitoring.
The Election Commission has declared ban using mobile phone in polling centre. One can not set up election camp within 1200 feet of the polling centre.
Opposition BNP boycotted the election protesting the use of EVM in the poll.
Of the aspirants, the main contest is expected between Kamruzzaman, brother of the slain mayor, and Montaz Uddin Bhuiyan, president of Narsingdi city AL unit, believe locals.
A team comprised of a judicial magistrate, 16 executive magistrates and over 250 members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been deployed in the poll centres throughout the voting time.
Members of other law enforcement agencies are on duty in the municipality area.
Lokman Hossain, also an Awami League leader, was shot dead by unknown assailants on November 1 in the Narsingdi Awami League office.
BBN/SSR/AD-19Jan12-10:28 am (BST)