Thursday marked a significant day in the political history of the country, as citizens turned out in large numbers to participate in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and associated referendum. Voting commenced at 7:30 a.m. and continued uninterrupted until 4:30 p.m., covering all constituencies across the nation, including the capital. Observers reported that polling proceeded in a calm and orderly manner, with no major untoward incidents recorded.
The Election Commission confirmed that voters who were already in line at the close of polling hours would still be allowed to cast their ballots. However, no new voters were permitted to enter the queues after 4:00 p.m. A presiding officer at a central polling station in the capital emphasised, “Although 4:00 p.m. is the official end of voting, every person already in line will be able to exercise their right. No voter will be denied participation.”
Field reports from Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi in Dhaka highlighted the notable presence of women voters, many of whom remained in long queues yet displayed remarkable enthusiasm and determination to cast their votes.
According to election officials, by 11:00 a.m., approximately 20–25% of votes had been cast at most polling stations. For example, at Banani’s Station 51, a total of 3,510 ballots were registered, with 795 votes cast by 11:30 a.m., representing 22% of the total electorate at that location.
A summary of the election statistics is provided below:
| Category | Figure / Description |
|---|---|
| Parliamentary Seats | 299 (Sherpur-3 postponed) |
| Total Candidates | 2,340 |
| Independent Candidates | 275 |
| Major Party Candidates | BNP: 291, Islami Andolon: 258, Jamaat-e-Islami: 229, Jatiya Party: 198, Jatiya Nagarik Party: 32 |
| Total Voters | 127,711,899 |
| Male Voters | 64,825,154 |
| Female Voters | 62,885,525 |
| Polling Stations | 42,779 |
| Election Officers | ~800,000 |
| Security Personnel | ~900,000 (Army, BGB, RAB, Police, Ansar) |
| Observers | ~56,000 (domestic and international) |
The Election Commission reported that voting in all 299 parliamentary constituencies took place via paper ballots, although the Sherpur-3 constituency election was deferred following the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate. Overall, 51 registered political parties participated in the elections.
To ensure smooth and secure polling, nearly 900,000 security personnel were deployed across the nation, supported by approximately 800,000 election officials. A total of 56,000 domestic and international observers monitored the process, helping to uphold transparency and impartiality.
The election and referendum have reaffirmed public confidence in the country’s democratic process, setting a strong example of peaceful and participatory voting.