Voter turnout in the 13th parliamentary election was 59.44%

The Election Commission (EC) has released the final statistics on voter participation in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and accompanying referenda, conducted under the nation’s evolving political landscape following widespread civic movements.

On Friday, 13 February, the EC’s Public Relations Division reported that the overall voter turnout across the country stood at 59.44 per cent. The commission has described this level of participation as a positive reflection of citizens’ enthusiasm in the country’s democratic renewal, marking a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political journey after a hiatus of over eighteen months.

A notable feature of this election was the inclusion of expatriate Bangladeshis who, for the first time, were able to exercise their franchise through postal ballots. Among overseas voters, the participation rate was remarkably high at 80.11 per cent, indicating strong engagement from the diaspora.

According to EC data, out of 127,695,185 registered voters, a significant proportion comprised first-time voters—approximately 40 million young citizens—who seized the opportunity to cast their ballots and participate actively in shaping the country’s governance.

The postal ballot process, in addition to serving expatriates, also allowed election officials and incarcerated individuals to vote, thereby ensuring broad inclusion. Of the postal votes received, 70.25 per cent were deemed valid, underscoring the efficacy and credibility of this voting method.

To maintain law and order during the elections, the government deployed around 900,000 members of law enforcement agencies across the nation. A total of 299 constituencies were contested, each overseen by local authorities to guarantee a secure and transparent electoral process.

The EC has highlighted that the high levels of participation—both domestic and overseas—signal a renewed public confidence in the democratic process, despite challenges posed by logistical coordination and political tensions. Analysts have noted that the engagement of young and first-time voters, in particular, could have a lasting impact on the country’s political trajectory.

Key Statistics of the 13th Parliamentary Election

The Election Commission has emphasised that this election represents a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic development, fostering wider political participation and reinforcing citizens’ rights in an era of renewed civic engagement.