From the early hours of Thursday morning, voters across the country, including the capital, flocked to polling stations to cast their ballots. Among them were notable figures from the entertainment industry—actors, directors, singers, and musicians—many of whom shared photographs and reflections on social media as they exercised their democratic right.
One of the most prominent voters of the day was the acclaimed musician and bandleader Mahfuz Anam James, popularly known simply as James. He cast his vote at 3:30 pm at Baridhara Scholar School and College, located in the Baridhara DHA area of Dhaka. This polling station falls under the Dhaka-17 parliamentary constituency.
Upon entering the polling station, James was warmly greeted by fans, who eagerly sought selfies with the singer. He obliged both the enthusiastic voters and the election staff, creating a moment of engagement and goodwill at the centre.
Speaking to the media after voting, James expressed his thoughts on the significance of the democratic process:
“A vibrant and well-functioning democratic system defines our nation. I hope that whoever comes to power continues this tradition. May peace prevail in our country, and may our people live well and prosper.”
He also commented on the smoothness of the electoral procedures, praising the efforts of the interim government and election authorities:
“Everything was very smooth. I came, collected my slip, cast my vote—everything went beautifully. There was no trouble at all. I thank the current interim government for ensuring a well-organised process.”
Following his own participation, James reached out to fellow band members, encouraging them to vote and checking in on their progress. He personally phoned several members to share that he had voted and urged them to do the same, highlighting the importance of civic responsibility among peers in the arts community.
For context, the Dhaka-17 constituency has a significant voter base, reflecting the active participation of citizens in national elections. The registered voters for this constituency are detailed below:
| Voter Information | Number of Voters |
|---|---|
| Total Voters | 345,600 |
| Male Voters | 175,800 |
| Female Voters | 169,800 |
| Polling Station | Baridhara Scholar School and College |
| District | Dhaka |
| Constituency | Dhaka-17 |
James’s vote is part of a wider trend of prominent personalities publicly exercising their democratic rights, inspiring ordinary citizens to participate in the electoral process. The presence of well-known figures at polling stations not only generates enthusiasm but also reinforces the values of civic engagement and social responsibility.
The ongoing parliamentary election is being conducted peacefully across Dhaka and other regions, with election officials ensuring smooth operations. Voters like James demonstrate that democracy thrives not only through policies and institutions but also through the active participation and example set by citizens.