All the 135 candidates, including six mayoral candidates, of the upcoming Barisal City Corporation (BCC) election have started campaigning in the city.

The candidates and their associates were carrying on poll campaigns, including distribution of leaflets among voters, amid rain yesterday.

Supporters of the Awami League (AL)-backed candidate brought out processions from all the 30 wards of the city.

Mujibor Rahman Sarwar, the BNP-nominated mayoral candidate, started his campaign from the Jail gate area yesterday morning. He accused the police obstructing them in bringing out a rally from the town hall area of the city.

Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, the AL-supported mayoral candidate, started his election campaign after offering prayers in Kalu Shah Mazar Sharif. He said he had no grudge against any one.

When asked about the allegations voiced by the BNP-backed candidate, the assistant returning officer of the BCC poll, Md Helal Uddin Khan, said he had not received any formal complaint in writing.

He claimed that a level playing field was prevailing for all candidates ahead of the Barisal civic poll. Vigilance units were keeping a keen eye on any violation of the election code of conduct, he added