File photo of Nirbachan Bhaban, which houses the offices of the Election Commission and its secretariat, in Dhaka's Agargaon Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka TribuneEVM to increase risks of contaminationThe Election Commission (EC) is all set to hold by-polls in three constituencies – Dhaka 10, Gaibandha 3, and Bagerhat 4 – today amid the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19, a new strain of coronavirus, has killed over 9,000 people in more than 170 countries. Voting at the three constituencies will begin at 9 am and will continue till 5 pm without any break. Despite the fact that election materials were distributed for polling officials, no safety mechanisms such as masks were given to the officials. However, Election Commission Senior Secretary Md Alamgir on Thursday urged voters to come to the polling booths demanding that comprehensive measures have been taken to prevent coronavirus spread.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 20, 2020 14:37 UTC