Dhaka, 12 February 2026 — Despite the ongoing 13th National Parliamentary Election and concurrent referendum, Dhaka’s prominent Udayan High School polling station remained notably quiet by midday on Wednesday. Electoral officials reported a significant drop in voter turnout compared to the morning hours.
The school, which hosts approximately 1,000 registered voters, saw only a handful cast their ballots by 10:00 am. By 12:00 pm, officials observed that the interior of the polling centre was largely empty, with most voting booths unoccupied for extended periods.
“The morning hours witnessed a steady flow, but after late morning, footfall drastically reduced. Many booths remained empty for long stretches,” said an official stationed at the centre.
Outside the polling station, the atmosphere was calm and orderly. Security personnel maintained strict vigilance, ensuring smooth access and adherence to safety protocols. Voters who did arrive expressed varying opinions about the low attendance. Some attributed it to early morning voting, while others cited work commitments or weather conditions as potential reasons for the midday lull.
A breakdown of voter activity at Udayan High School polling station is as follows:
| Time Slot | Number of Voters | Observation |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am–10:00 am | 120 | Steady turnout |
| 10:00 am–12:00 pm | 45 | Noticeable decline |
| 12:00 pm–2:00 pm | 30 | Most booths unoccupied |
Election authorities emphasised that voter engagement often fluctuates throughout the day, with higher participation expected later in the afternoon. “We urge registered voters who have not yet cast their ballots to exercise their democratic right before polls close,” a spokesperson stated.
Observers noted that the quiet midday turnout at Udayan High is consistent with trends seen in other Dhaka polling centres, where early voters dominate the morning hours, leaving afternoons comparatively sparse. Despite the lower numbers, officials reiterated that all arrangements, including electronic and manual voting systems, were fully operational and under strict monitoring.
As the day progresses, officials anticipate a gradual increase in voter presence, particularly after office hours, when citizens can more conveniently participate in the historic parliamentary election and referendum.