DHAKA: By-elections to the different posts of five Upazila Parishads are simultaneously underway on Sunday amid tight security.

Vote casting began at 8:00am and will continue till 4:00pm at a stretch.

The five upazilas are Atpara upazila of Netrokona district, Digholia of Khulan, Mehendiganj of Barial, Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon and Jakiganj upazila of Sylhet.

Banglanews correspondents reported from the upazilas.  

Candidates from ruling Awamil League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party and other parties are separately contesting the different posts.

At Ranisankail and Digholia, voters are casting ballots to choose a female vice chairman while at Mehendiganj, voters will choose a chairman, a vice chairman and a female vice chairman and and at Jakiganj, voter will only elect a chairman.

Army and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel and striking forces led by magistrates have been deployed in the poll area to prevent any untoward situations.

BDST: 1236 HRS, SEP 21, 2014