Voting in the second phase of Upazila Parishad election began on Tuesday at 8 am and it will continue until 4 pm.
In Khulna district, among 138 polling centres in Terokhada, Dighalia and Fultala upazilas, police identified 95 as important and 43 as general.
Of the total polling stations, 69 per cent are considered important. Security will be beefed up at important centres.
According to the Returning Officer's office, there are 43 polling centers in Terokhada upazila, 52 in Dighalia and 43 in Fultala. All preparations for holding the polls have already been completed.
Khulna Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saidur Rahman said that there will be enhanced security and surveillance in important centres, but there will be no shortage of security at the general centres.
In Barishal, voting began at 121 centres in 13 unions of Hijla and Muladi upazilas.
However, voter turnout is seemingly low. Agents at these centres say that although the voter turnout is low in the morning, it will change as the day progresses.
Barishal district Superintendent of Police Wahidul Islam said security has been ensured for the upazila election. Out of 121 centres, 73 have been identified as important.
Also, 4 platoons of BGB have been deployed, he added.
Meanwhile, the Gangni Upazila Parishad election in Meherpur is being held smoothly.
According to the Assistant Returning Officer, voting will be held in 107 polling centres. Of the polling stations, 30 have been identified as very important.
The district administration, police and the Election Commission have completed all preparations to make the election festive, neutral and free.
26 BGB platoons deployed in 4 districts
To support the civil administration and ensure a secure and fair election process, a total of 26 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) mobile and striking force have been deployed in Khulna, Patuakhali, Bhola, and Barguna for the second phase of Upazila election being held today, according to Lt Col. Mohammad Khurshid Anwar, commanding officer of Khulna Battalion (21 BGB).
The deployment covers multiple locations: Terkhada, Digalia, and Phultala in Khulna district; Dashmina, Galachipa, and Bauphal in Patuakhali district; Sadar, Daulatkhali, and Borhanuddin in Bhola district; and Sadar and Betagi upazilas in Barguna district, he said.
BGB members are actively patrolling these areas, fostering a sense of security among the public.
According to BGB sources, the mobile and striking force will remain stationed in the election areas until May 23.This extended deployment aims to maintain law and order even after the election day, ensuring a smooth and peaceful post-election period.
