Awami League-nominated candidate for the Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency Motaherul Islam Chowdhury on Sunday said the people are casting their votes amid festivity without any obstacles.

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has set an example of a free and fair election. The people have responded to the premier’s call for the sake of the country’s democracy,” he told reporters after casting his ballot at a polling centre in the port city this morning.

Meanwhile, independent candidate and Jatiya Sangsad Whip Shamsul Hoque Chowdhury has alleged that his agents are facing obstacles in the election.

Asked about the allegation, Motaherul said the independent candidate (Shamsul) has been making baseless complaints since the submission of nomination paper.

“There are agents of him [Shamsul] and other candidates. There is no obstacle,” he added.

Leaders and activists in Patiya have conveyed their satisfaction with the nomination of Motaherul Islam Chowdhury, the president of district (South) unit of Awami League, as the party candidate.