Voters in Dhaka-15 have begun queuing outside polling stations from the early hours of Thursday morning, as the country heads into a crucial parliamentary election. Reports from across the constituency indicate that despite the long lines, voter turnout in the first hour and a half has been relatively low at certain centres.
At the Glory School and College (Women’s Ward 2) polling station in Mirpur, officials reported that only 170 votes had been cast out of a total 2,834 registered voters by 8:30 a.m., representing approximately 8 per cent of the electorate.
The presiding officer at the centre confirmed that voting commenced promptly at 7:30 a.m. and that the process has so far proceeded smoothly, with no technical or administrative issues reported. Voters were observed lining up outside the centre well before the official start of polling, demonstrating keen engagement despite the modest early turnout.
“This morning, everything has gone according to plan,” said the presiding officer. “Voters have been arriving steadily since before the polls opened, and we expect the turnout to increase as the day progresses.”
The low initial turnout at Glory School and College reflects a pattern observed at several other polling stations in Dhaka-15, where early morning voting has been steady but not overwhelming. Election analysts suggest that voter engagement typically rises in the late morning and early afternoon, with many residents preferring to cast their votes after work or daily commitments.
For a clearer picture, the following table summarises the early voting figures at this Mirpur polling station:
| Polling Station | Registered Voters | Votes Cast | Percentage Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glory School & College (Women’s 2) | 2,834 | 170 | 8% |
Election officials have urged voters to participate actively and ensure they cast their ballots before polling concludes in the late afternoon. Safety protocols and orderly queuing measures have been put in place to maintain a smooth voting process throughout the day.
Observers are expected to provide updates on voter turnout throughout the day, giving a clearer indication of overall engagement in the Dhaka-15 constituency. Meanwhile, candidates and party representatives continue to monitor proceedings closely, hopeful for a robust participation rate as polling continues.