Voting underway in Rajshahi, Barisal, Sylhet

FT ONLINE

With the 11th national election on the horizon, these three are crucial contests for all parties.

08:50am, Sylhet- Awami League-backed Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran cast his vote at Government Pilot High School.

Refuting BNP candidate’s claim, he says: “The election is going on in a peaceful environment and the support the local voters showed me, I am confident about my victory.

“However, I am ready to accept any results.”

08:30am, Sylhet- BNP-backed candidate Ariful claims: “I have information that a number of ballot boxes, filled with sealed ballot papers, were kept at the presiding officer’s almirah last night [Sunday].

08: 30am, Barisal- Barishal BNP mayoral candidate Mujibur Rahman Sarwar cast his voteat Syeda Mujidunnessa High School in west Kawniya.

He alleges that his election agents have been forced out of more than 50 centers after the voting began.

“Police and Awami League men are barring my voters from casting votes,” he adds.

08:10am, Rajshahi- Awami League candidate for city corporation election AHM Khairuzzaman Liton cast his vote at at Satellite Town High School.

Liton says: “I hope that the public will elect me. Whatever their decision is, I will accept it.

“I request the law enforcers to ensure peaceful voting environment.”

08:05am, Barisal- Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, Awami League’s mayoral candidate, says he is confident about winning the mayoral race.

“I will accept the result, whatever it is,” he tells the reporters after casting his vote at Barisal College polling centre.

He says: “The atmosphere is peaceful so far. Voters are coming to the centres in a joyous mood.”

Serniabat says he expects voting will be held in a fair manner and requested all voters to exercise their franchise.

08:05am, Sylhet- BNP-backed candidate Ariful Haque Chowdhury cast his vote at Raynagar Government Primary School around 8:25am.

8:00am- Elections to Rajshahi, Barisal and Sylhet city corporations begin.