Voting Continues Amid Mixed Reports Across Bangladesh in 13th Parliamentary Election
Dhaka Tribune
Voting in the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum continued across Bangladesh on Thursday amid a mix of calm polling, strong voter presence in some areas, and isolated incidents of tension.
National Citizens Party spokesperson and election management committee chairman Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said that although the atmosphere was somewhat tense on Wednesday night, voting had been proceeding smoothly since Thursday morning. He noted that voter turnout was relatively low early in the day but described the overall environment as peaceful and under control, with most polling centres operating without disruption.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at the Government Laboratory High School polling centre in Dhaka, Asif Mahmud said this was his first time voting. “I was registered to vote in the last two elections but couldn’t cast my ballot. For nearly 40 million young voters like me, this is a new experience,” he said, expressing hope for a smooth election process nationwide.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin echoed an optimistic tone after voting at the Eskaton Garden High School polling centre. He said Bangladesh has embarked on a democratic journey and expressed hope that the “train of democracy” would reach its destination. The CEC added that public confidence in the Election Commission was gradually being restored, citing voter presence at polling centres as evidence.
Turnout and Ground Situation
According to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, voter turnout stood at 32.88 percent by 12 noon across 32,789 polling stations, with polling progressing steadily nationwide.
In Dhaka-17, including the Korail slum area, reporters observed heavy voter turnout at polling centres in Banani. Long queues stretched from upper floors to open grounds, prompting complaints from voters about slow voting. Election officials, however, said polling was proceeding at a normal pace, while law enforcement struggled to manage the crowd.
Turnout also increased in Barisal after 10am, with men, women, and first-time voters gathering at centres. Several voters said they were able to cast their ballots this time after missing previous elections due to alleged irregularities.
Political Reactions and Allegations
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman called for the swift publication of election results, warning that delays could create confusion among voters.
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said voters were casting their ballots spontaneously, describing the situation as a positive sign for the return of democracy.
However, concerns were also raised from several quarters. An independent candidate, Tasnim Jara, alleged harassment of female polling agents in Dhaka-9, claiming they were obstructed from entering polling centres. In Dhaka-11, a presiding officer alleged that an unusually large crowd at one polling centre was artificially created to disrupt genuine voters, prompting authorities to consider deploying additional security.
Isolated Incidents
A crude bomb explosion was reported at a polling centre in Munshiganj’s Sadar upazila around 11am, involving supporters of rival candidates. Police said the situation was brought under control, and no injuries were immediately confirmed.
Despite these incidents, candidates in several Chattogram constituencies described the overall polling atmosphere as fair and peaceful as voting continued.
Election officials said voting would continue until the scheduled closing time, after which counting would begin and results would be announced in phases.
