Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder said that the DNCC by-election was not participatory.

He said, “Since the main opposition party is not taking part, this is not an inclusive election.”

Saying that voters are apathetic to go to the polling station when election is not participatory, he said, “This is not a full-fledged election since the elected will only serve for a year.”

I visited the voting centre in Moghbazaar, where only 385 persons voted in 15 booths of five centres, said the commissioner.

He also said that no partisan behaviour or laxity in security will be tolerated.

The expectation is that the polls will not be affected in any way, he added.

Voting was carried out for 36 wards of DNCC and SCC from 8am till 4pm.