Voting in the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) election ended on Sunday without report of any untoward incident.

Balloting for the election started at 8am and continued till 4pm without any break.

Counting of votes began shortly after the voting ended.

Voters exercised their franchise in a festive mood using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Long queues were seen as voters turned up at the polling stations to cast their votes braving cold weather and fear of Covid infection.

Besides, returning officer Mahfuza Akter said voter turnout in NCC election is good as 40% voters exercised their franchise till noon. 

“The number of voters increased after noon. Some 40% people have cast their votes in the election till now,” she told UNB on Sunday.

Seven candidates are running for the post of the NCC mayor including ruling party nominee Selina Hayat Ivy, her  principal rival Advocate Taimur Alam Khandaker, a veteran BNP who has been contesting as an independent candidate.

Selina Hayat Ivy cast her vote at Deubhog Kalrab polling center around 9:30 am while Taimur cast his vote at Masdair Primary Government School around 10 am.

Besides, 148 candidates are contesting for 27 ward councilors post while 38 women are contesting for conserved seats for women in the NCC polls.

This time the NCC elections have 517,357 voters – including 257,519 females. 

However, there are some 42,418 first-time voters. 

Security tightened up

Around 5,000 law enforcing personnel have been deployed for 192 polling centers of NCC election each having 26 members.

Striking joint force of police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) will immediately take actions if any unfavorable situation arises during the poll, said Mahfuza Akter, returning officer of NCC election on Friday evening.

Ivy hopeful for win

Selina Hayat Ivy, the Awami League nominated mayoral candidate in Narayanganj City Corporation election, expressed her hope of winning the election saying she is cent percent sure over ‘Boat’s win.

Ivy came up with the remark while talking to reporters after casting her vote at Deobhog Shishu Bagh Government Primary School center Sunday  morning.

“Till now balloting for the election is going on peacefully and I request the law enforcing agencies to provide their assistance so that people can cast their vote. If votes are cast neutrally then I am 100% sure of winning the election as I have a deep relation with the people of Narayanganj,” she said.

BK