Former Khulna mayor and Awami League's mayoral candidate Talukdar Abdul Khaleque said that the election results would be accepted irrespective of the outcome.

"I will definitely accept the results; I am participating in the election with the intention of accepting it. The voting process has started peacefully. Voting is taking place in a beautiful environment," Khaleque told reporters after casting his vote at the Pioneer Girls' High School centre at 9:15am.

When asked about the lower voter turnout in the morning, he said, "There will be fewer votes in the morning because people have work. Besides, it is also very hot now, so voters will gradually come to the centre.

"We expect 60 to 65 percent turnout," he said.