In the densely populated neighbourhood of Banshal, in old Dhaka, a quiet school along a bustling road has become the centre of attention. Banshal Balika High School is serving as a polling station for the thirteenth National Parliament elections and the accompanying referendum. From early Thursday morning, the school premises were animated with the steady stream of voters.
This polling centre is unique: it has been designated exclusively for female voters. Presiding Officer Md. Masudul Islam explained at noon, “All the voters at this centre are women. In addition, from the polling agents to the assistant presiding officers, everyone on duty here is female.”
He added, “Voter turnout has been excellent since the morning, and there have been no complaints or disruptions so far.”
Visitors to the centre in the early afternoon witnessed a calm and orderly voting process. Many women moved purposefully through the polling rooms, casting their votes in a peaceful atmosphere. One voter, housewife Shirin Akter, shared her experience: “I was unable to vote in 2014, so it feels wonderful to be participating again after so many years. The process has been smooth, and there have been no issues whatsoever.”
The polling station contains four separate voting rooms. In one room, several women wearing burqas were seen having their identities verified by female polling officers and agents before being handed their ballot papers. This all-female verification process appeared to reassure the voters, and none of them expressed any objection or concern.
This centre exemplifies how female voters can exercise their democratic rights in a safe and supportive environment. Election officials noted that having an entirely female team—agents, polling officers, and presiding officers—helped foster confidence among the voters and encouraged active participation.
Banshal Balika High School Polling Centre Details:
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Centre Name | Banshal Balika High School |
| Voter Type | Female only |
| Presiding Officer | Md. Masudul Islam |
| Assistant Presiding Officers | 2 Female |
| Polling Officers | 8 Female |
| Agents | All Female, representing various parties |
| Voting Rooms | 4 |
| Turnout | High; no complaints reported |
Observers noted that the all-female staff not only ensured security but also helped make the voting process more comfortable for women of all ages and backgrounds. The initiative is being regarded as a model for empowering female voters and demonstrating how inclusivity in election management can enhance public trust in the electoral process.
As polling continues, Banshal Balika High School stands out as a successful example of safe, transparent, and female-friendly voting in the heart of Dhaka.