Voters at a polling station in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, experienced unexpected difficulties on Thursday morning as discrepancies were reported between the official voter lists and the names and photographs displayed at the centre. The issue caused confusion and frustration for several citizens attempting to cast their ballots.
The incidents occurred at the Dhanmondi Government Girls’ School, a women-only polling station. By 8:15 a.m., at least eight voters had approached the presiding officer seeking resolution, but the problem could not be immediately addressed.
First-time voter Zarin Ara recounted her experience:
“I had downloaded my voter number and the polling station information from the official app. However, upon arrival, I discovered that my name and photograph did not match the records. When I reported the issue to the presiding officer, I was told there was nothing he could do.”
Similarly, elderly voter Shirin Ahmed expressed her frustration:
“I came to vote with joy, but now I’m in trouble. Nothing matches—neither my name nor my details. I don’t know what to do next.”
Bilkis Nahar, another voter, said:
“After waiting all these years to cast my vote, I found myself in this predicament. Nobody seems able to provide a solution.”
Despite these difficulties, other voters at the centre were able to vote without issue. Many took selfies and photographs to commemorate the occasion, some arriving with family members or groups of friends to celebrate the civic duty together.
The presiding officer at the centre, Nur Hossain, told Prothom Alo:
“Not everyone is facing this problem. Only certain voters are affected. I have already consulted with the Election Commission officials, and they have confirmed that the polling list at the centre is updated. If a voter’s details do not match, unfortunately, the vote cannot be taken.”
The table below summarises the issues reported at this centre on Thursday morning:
| Name | Voter Type | Issue Reported | Resolution Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zarin Ara | First-time voter | Name and photo mismatch | None |
| Shirin Ahmed | Senior voter | Name and photo mismatch | None |
| Bilkis Nahar | Regular voter | Name and photo mismatch | None |
| Other voters | Mixed | No issue | Voted successfully |
Officials have advised that any voter experiencing mismatches should contact the Election Commission prior to visiting the polling station to ensure their records are accurate. The Election Commission also reiterated that updated voter lists are being maintained across the city’s centres.