Gazipur City Corporation election is important as there will be parliamentary elections in the future, said Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday.

"Gazipur election is very important for us. Because there will be parliamentary elections in the future. We think that an election of such a large scale before this will carry a lot of national significance. That's why the Gazipur election should be a model,” he said  while exchanging views with the rival candidates of Gazipur City Corporation election at Shaheed Ahsanullah Master Auditorium in Gazipur.

Gazipur Returning Officer Faridul Islam presided over the meeting. Election Commissioner Md Alamgir, Secretary of the Election Commission Jahangir Alam and Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sadirul Islam were present as special guests, among others.

“Let this election set an example. Let us make a good choice. Countries around the world are talking about our election and we are unable to stop them from doing so,” the CEC said.

 “We must progressively escape from black culture. Our voting system is still rife with rotten and black culture. With your help, there may come a time when everyone will go to the polling booth in peace and exercise their right to vote,” he also said.

“No one should worry about black money. No matter how much black money is distributed. Vote for whomever you trust, whom you think is good. Because there will be no candidates at the time of voting,” he added.

At the meeting, the candidates raised their grievances and demands. Election officials assured everyone of a free and fair election. Mayoral candidates and general ward councillor candidates and reserved women councillor candidates attended the meeting.

In addition to the eight mayoral candidates, most of the councillor candidates of 57 wards and women councillor candidates for 19 reserved posts participated in the meeting.

The number of voters in Gazipur City Corporation election is 11,79,476. Of them, 5,92,762 are male voters, 5,86,696 are female voters and 18 are hijra voters.

A total of 480 polling stations have been set for this election. The total numbers of polling booths in these centres are 3,497. Of these, there will be 491 temporary voting booths.