Dhaka, Aug 21: Tight security arrangements are in place for the by-election to the Netrakona parliamentary constituency today which sees a return to electoral politics by opposition Awami League after losing power to BNP-led coalition. The election is being held because of the death of ruling BNP lawmaker Nurul Islam Talukder in June this year. Although seven contestants are vying for the post, the main contest is expected to take place between Khadeza Amin, widow of the deceased incumbent, nominated by the ruling coalition, and Awami League's M Jubed Ali, a veteran local politician and one who has won several parliamentary polls in the past. Awami League had boycotted several by-elections since it losing the October 2001 polls alleging that free and fair polls were not possible under the four-party alliance government led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Bureau Report