Election Commissioner Begum Rashida Sultana said that the election in Dhaka-17 constituency and local elections are being held peacefully, although the voter turnout is low.

She said, "In the morning, I went to the Bidyaniketan polling station in Banani in Dhaka-17 constituency. The voting environment is good. I haven't seen anything wrong. I didn't see any irregularities on CCTV cameras. The environment is good." 

She came up with the information after observing the voting for four hours on CCTV cameras at the Election Commission Building.

Responding to a question, Rashida Sultana said, "The presiding officer expelled journalists who were carrying phones. Action has been taken in this regard. However, when I went there, there were many journalists."

The commissioner also said, "We have also seen that voter turnout is low. This may be because the election is being held for a very short time. It is an elite area. As a result, voters may not be interested. We will know the actual situation later. We believe that the voting rate will increase."

Independent candidate Md. Tarequl Islam Bhuiyan, who is contesting on the truck symbol, has boycotted the election. In this regard, she said, "He could have seen the end. If he boycotts the election in the morning, he cannot see what happens in the end."

Regarding the 78 elections of municipalities, union parishads and upazila parishads, Rashida Sultana said, "I have spoken to the DC, SP and returning officers. The election is being held very peacefully at the local level. The percentage of votes cast is not yet available."

BDST: 1412 HRS, JULY 17, 2023
SMS