The Election Commission has asked for security blankets around all voting centres from Saturday for the Jan 5 polls. In a letter to the returning officers on Wednesday, it said movement of vehicles and people around the voting centres should be restricted.Patrol of mobile teams and striking forces of the law enforcers should also be intensified, said the letter. Candidates in 153 seats have been elected uncontested and so polls will be held in 18209 voting centres spread across 147 constituencies.
According to the Election Commission’s declaration, voting will be held from 8am to 4pm on Sunday. Main opposition BNP-led 18-Party alliance has started countrywide blockade from Wednesday to foil the Sunday’s polls.
A total of 43.9 million and 38.938 thousand voters will decide the fate of the 390 candidates.
Election materials including ballot papers have already been dispatched to the relevant areas, polls officials said.
According to the Election Commission’s directive, election items, including ballot papers, should be properly preserved and should be sent to the assistant returning officers amid tight security.
Presiding officials and law enforcers will stay with ballot papers and other materials at the voting centres from Saturday.
Returning officers coordinating law enforcers and armed forces will ensure the security.
