Dhaka-17 by-polls: Security tightened, checkposts set up

Voting in the Dhaka-17 by-polls is underway amid tight security. Checkpoints were set up at every intersection of the constituency. Anyone found roaming the area without a valid reason is being fined by the police.

Shahidul Islam, a resident of Dhaka's Badda area, said his office is in Mohakhali. He came to know about the general holiday in the area only after he reached the office on Monday morning.

"I was fined because of this mistake. How will I pay such fines so early in the morning?" he said.

Rasel Ahmed, a resident of Gulshan-2, went to the airport to pick up an acquaintance. He said, "I live nearby, but the police aren't letting me pass. Now they're talking about fining me."

Gulshan Traffic Police Sergeant Md Saddam Hossain said, "We are fining those who are going out without a reason. Till now, I have fined eight people. Most of them went out riding on motorbikes and by private cars without a valid reason."

Eight people have been fined Tk 13,000, the Sergeant said, adding, "We have let many people be on their ways when they mentioned a proper cause."

/KN/MHK/