Ballot papers and other election materials are being dispatched to polling centres across Chattogram ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for Thursday (12 February).
Election officials said distribution of materials began at 11:00am on Wednesday and is expected to be completed by night.
Mohammad Bashir Ahmed, senior district election officer of Chattogram, told the Daily Sun, “All preparations for holding the parliamentary election have been completed. Materials for upazila-based constituencies were sent to the offices of assistant returning officers on Tuesday (10 February). From Wednesday morning, ballot papers and other election materials are being sent to centres in the city.”
A visit to MA Aziz Stadium in the port city showed presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers from various centres under Chattogram-11 constituency arriving since morning to collect election materials.
Assistant returning officers were seen handing over ballot boxes, ballot papers and centre-wise voter lists.
Members of Ansar-VDP and police are transporting the materials to polling stations by vehicle. Officials said all centres are expected to be fully prepared by the evening.
Law enforcement agencies have strengthened security across the city ahead of the polls. Checkposts have been set up at key intersections, and police are conducting searches of suspicious individuals.
Chattogram, typically known for heavy traffic congestion, appeared comparatively empty. Police have set up checkposts in important areas including Bahaddarhat, GEC Circle, Agrabad, New Market, New Bridge and port areas. Private cars and motorcycles are being stopped, and drivers and passengers are being asked about their identity and destination.
Meanwhile, many residents are still attempting to return to their village homes to cast their votes. A steady flow of people has been observed since Tuesday afternoon in the Shah Amanat Bridge area.
A total of 115 candidates are contesting in 16 parliamentary constituencies in Chattogram.
