There had been concerns that the situation in Gopalganj could be different from elsewhere, and developments by 10am appeared to confirm those fears. Voter turnout at polling centres was negligible.

At many polling centres in Tungipara upazila, there were no agents representing candidates other than those of the BNP, whose electoral symbol is the sheaf of paddy. In Gopalganj Sadar upazila, however, agents for the BNP and independent candidates were present in significant numbers.

The three constituencies in Gopalganj—Gopalganj-1, Gopalganj-2 and Gopalganj-3—have a combined electorate of nearly one million. The district has traditionally been an Awami League stronghold.

Sheikh Hasina used to contest elections from Gopalganj-3, where the Awami League secured landslide victories every time it participated in an election. However, the party could not take part in this election because its activities have been banned. As a result, voters in the area appear to be largely uninterested in the electoral process.

In Gopalganj-2, the constituency of Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, who has been elected repeatedly, no party has managed to establish a strong position. At present, some voters support a rebel BNP candidate and a candidate from Khelafat Majlish, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. However, ordinary voters appear to have little interest in going to polling centres.

Extensive activity by law enforcement agencies has been observed at the polling centres. It is believed that voter turnout may increase as the day progresses.

On Wednesday night, crude bombs exploded at several polling centres across Gopalganj. Security measures have been tightened further since then, and joint forces have been seen patrolling the area.

The district administration has made extensive preparations to maintain control of the situation.

Meanwhile, all business establishments in Gopalganj town remain closed. The movement of all vehicles, except those required for emergencies, has also been suspended.

/SA/