The first phase of the sixth upazila parishad elections in 139 upazilas is underway across the country.
Voting started at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm without any break.
A total of 1,635 candidates are competing in this phase. Among them, 570 are vying for the post of chairman, 625 for vice chairman and 440 for the post of female vice chairman.
In the first phase, 3,14,68,102 voters will exercise their voting rights in 81,804 polling booths of 11,556 centers.
Seventeen law enforcement personnel have been deployed in each general center while 18-19 personnel in the important center to maintain the environment during polling. Apart from this, 19 law enforcement officers have been deployed in general centers and 20/21 law enforcement personnel in important centers in special areas (hilly or remote areas).
Depending on the number of voters and the importance of the polling stations, 2 to 4 platoons of BGB will perform duty in each upazila. The Coast Guard will act as a mobile and striking force in the islands of the coastal area.
The upazila elections will take place in four phases. Elections in the second phase will be held on May 23, in the third phase on May 29, and in the fourth phase on June 5.