Polling for Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and accompanying referendum commenced at 7:30 a.m. today and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 p.m. Across the country, senior leaders of participating political parties cast their ballots early in the morning, expressing optimism about victory and urging voters to exercise their democratic rights. However, early reports from various districts suggest a mixed picture in terms of voter turnout and polling-day management.
According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 127,711,793 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Voting is taking place at 42,779 polling stations nationwide. Of the 300 parliamentary constituencies, polling is being held in 299; voting in one seat in Sherpur has been postponed following the death of a candidate. The Awami League has not taken part in the election, citing restrictions linked to the interim government’s activities.
A summary of the key electoral data is provided below:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Total registered voters | 127,711,793 |
| Total polling stations | 42,779 |
| Total parliamentary seats | 300 |
| Seats voting today | 299 |
| Polling hours | 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Early Turnout and Local Observations
By 9:30 a.m., correspondents in Gopalganj reported notably low voter turnout at several centres. In some polling stations, agents representing only the candidate with the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol were visibly present, while other candidates’ agents were absent. A similar situation was observed in parts of Sylhet, where voting reportedly began without the presence of polling agents from all contesting parties.
In Barishal, voting at the Government Women’s College centre was delayed by approximately 30 minutes due to a shortage of polling agents, according to the presiding officer. Nevertheless, officials stated that voting resumed without further disruption.
Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, after casting his vote in Eskaton, Dhaka, told reporters that citizens were participating “in a festive atmosphere”. He acknowledged minor disturbances in isolated locations but maintained that these had been swiftly resolved. No major untoward incidents were reported from Chattogram during the early hours.
Allegations and Political Reactions
Despite the generally calm start, several allegations surfaced. Barrister Rumin Farhana, an independent candidate in Brahmanbaria-2, claimed that attempts at irregularities were under way at certain centres in her constituency. She stated that the relevant administrative and law enforcement authorities had been informed.
Nahid Islam, convenor of the NCP, alleged that party candidates and activists had faced attacks in some areas and that campaign offices had been forcibly closed. Nevertheless, he urged voters to respond through the ballot box rather than through confrontation.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman cast his vote in Gulshan and remarked that “the people’s vote can thwart any conspiracy”. He also called for active participation via social media. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, voting in Thakurgaon, expressed hope that the election would be free, fair and peaceful.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, after voting in Dhaka, said that while minor issues could be overlooked, any major irregularities would be firmly addressed. The party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Parwar, described the overall atmosphere in Khulna as positive.
Outlook for the Day
While the opening hours have been largely peaceful, the variation in voter turnout and isolated complaints have shaped a cautious and closely observed electoral morning. Election officials and political leaders alike are hopeful that participation will increase as the day progresses and that polling will conclude without significant incident.