The second phase of Upazila Council election is underway in 116 Upazila Councils across the country.

The voting began at 8:00 am on Monday (Mar 18) and will continue till 4:00 pm.

Additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed in the electoral areas with restrictions imposed on unnecessary vehicular movements. The added security personnel from various agencies were deployed two days before the voting day and will be in place two days after it.

Nearly 17.9 million voters are expected to cast their franchise in 7,039 polling centres in 116 upazilas where over 1,300 aspirants, including 377 for chairman, 539 for vice-chairman and 394 for women vice-chairman posts, are contesting polls.

The first phase took place on Mar 10 in 78 upazilas, with ruling Awami League candidates reported victorious for most seats.

The third phase voting is scheduled on Mar 24 in 127 upazilas.  The fourth and fifth phases of the polls are set to be held on Mar 31 and Jul 18 respectively.