National

Dhaka-17 by-polls: Voting ends, counting underway

The counting of votes began in the by-polls to Dhaka-17 parliamentary constituency on Monday afternoon.

The counting began after the voting came to an end at 4pm. The presence of voters were thin at all polling centres.

Eight candidates are contesting the by-election.

Ruling Awami League's candidate is Mohammad Ali Arafat, Shikder Anisur Rahman of Jatiya Party, Kazi Md Rashidul Hasan of Jaker Party, Sheikh Habibur Rahman of Trinomool BNP, Md Rezaul Islam Swapan of Bangladesh Congress and Md Akbar Hossain of Bangladesh Sangskritik Mukti Jote.

Independent candidates are Md Ashraful Alam (Hero Alam) and Md Tariqul Islam.

Dhaka-17 seat fell vacant since the death of actor Akbar Hossain Pathan, Member of Parliament from the constituency on May 15.