Gazipur: Both the rivals backed ruling Awami League and main opposition BNP – Azmat Ullah Khan and MA Mannan—expressed their optimism about winning the Gazipur City Corporation election being held on Saturday.

BNP-led 18-party backed candidate Professor MA Mannan cast his vote today at Salna Government Senior Fazil Madrasa Centre at 9.15 am.

"I'll accept the election results if it held in a free and fair manner. I have full confidence on the people," said Prof Mannan after casting the vote.

Earlier, the polling of the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) began at all 392 centres for 10,26,939 voters simultaneously this morning amid a festive mood and tight security measures.

Law enforcement agencies have taken tight security measures to hold the voting process peacefully. Over 11,000 law enforcers were deployed to ensure peaceful voting.

Seven candidates are contesting for the mayor post of the GCC. Of them, Advocate Azmat Ullah Khan and Prof MA Mannan are the front runners.

A total of 456 candidates are contesting for 57 councillor posts while 128 for 19 councillor posts (reserved) in the city corporation.

Gazipur is the 11th city corporation of the country, which was formed in January this year comprising Tongi and Gazipur municipality. It covers a total area of almost 330sq-km.

Meanwhile, the 14-party grand alliance supported Advocate Azmat Ullah Khan, the heavyweight candidate vying for the mayoral post in the election of Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), is optimistic about his win in the polls.

He expressed his confidence after casting vote at Little Flower Kinder Garten School located at Tongibazar, outskirts of the city, in the morning along with his family members at about 8.50 am.

"I am confident of my win. People of the city love me and I love the people. That's why they will cast their votes in favour of me," said Azmat, the three times Poura mayor of Tongi Pourasabha.

He said, "Voice of people is voice of God. I will accept the results whatever it is."

Replying to a question about voting, Azmat said the election is being conducted peacefully at this area.

Tapas Kumar, presiding officer of the center, told BSS that the polling is being held in a festive mood. "We are witnessing gradually increasing number of voters since the start of the polling," he added.

Earlier, the polling of GCC began at all 392 centres for 10,26,939 voters simultaneously this morning amid festive mood and tight security measures.

Ends/OSR/ AMA/06/07/13