Pirojpur pourasabha polls today

The administration has identified all the 18 polling centres as vulnerable.

Election in the 110 year-old pourasavha was scheduled to be held on the same day with other municipalities in the country, but was delayed due to an injunction by the High Court.

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Five candidates are contesting for the post of chairman, 41 for posts of commissioner and 12 for reserved seats of women.

The prime contestants for the post of chairman are Pirojpur district BNP vice-president Shahidul Alom Niru, a Four Party Alliance backed candidate and Awami League leader Habibur Rahman Malek, brother of district AL secretary Abdul Awal.

Both the candidates have accused each other of violating electoral rules ahead of the polls. The AL supported candidate has demanded deployment of army for holding a free and fair election.

The number of voters is 33,591.

When contacted yesterday, Deputy Commissioner Azmal Hossain and Police Superintendent said proper measures have been taken to maintain law and order in the town during and after the polls. If necessary army will be deployed, the DC said.

Returning Officer Additional District Magistrate Abdul Mannan said all necessary preparations have been taken for holding a fair election. "There is no pressure on the administration from either side".

In the last pourashabha election, Liakot Ali Badsha of AL was elected chairman. He later joined BNP.