CCC polls today

CHATTOGRAM: The Election Commission (EC) has completed all the necessary preparations to hold the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) election today (Wednesday), report agencies.

Returning officer Hasanuzzaman said that most of the polls related materials including adequate EVM Machines, packaging and other accessories have already been reached in each polling centre here.

One mayor, 41 general councilors and 14 reserved councilors will be elected by the election. A total of 236 candidates- seven mayoral candidates and 229 councilors are contesting in the polls of 41 CCC words.

According to the local EC office, a total of 19,38,706 voters including 9,46,673 females will exercise their right of franchise on the polls, slated on January 27.

A total of 735 presiding officers, 4,886 assistants presiding officers and 9,772 polling officers will perform their respective duties during the polls.

Meanwhile, 25 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) troopers were deployed in Chattogram City along with 9,000 police personnel ahead of the election.

BGB troopers have been patrolling the city since Monday night.

Of the total 25 platoons, each consisting of 16 members, 22 platoons will perform their duties in the city corporation areas while three others will be remain as striking force.

Additional District Magistrate Sumoni Rahman said the BGB has been deployed as per the circular of the Election Commission. Already BGB members were seen patrolling in their designated areas after reporting to the local administration and returning officer concerned.

Besides, Saleh Mohammad Tanvir, Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, said that alongside the BGB troopers, 9,000 policemen are working to maintain law and order in the area.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has decided not to declare any general holiday on the Election Day on Wednesday.

However, the EPZ and KEPZ authorities have decided to suspend their production on the day.

A total of 177 factories under the EPZ and KEPZ will remain shut on the election day. About 300,000 workers of those factories will enjoy the holiday, said the managing director of CEPZ.

Seven mayoral candidates are vying for the top post in the Chattogram City Corporation election.

A total of 236 aspirants are contesting the polls. There are 1,938,706 voters in the city corporation area.