Morning Lull Marks Polling Day

Polling is under way across Bangladesh in the country’s 13th National Parliament election, held alongside a national referendum, with early reports suggesting a subdued start in several districts despite largely peaceful conditions.

Voting commenced at 7:30 a.m. and is scheduled to continue uninterrupted until 4:30 p.m. According to the Election Commission, ballots are being cast in 299 parliamentary constituencies. Polling in one Sherpur seat has been postponed following the death of a candidate.

Although senior leaders from participating parties have exercised their franchise and voiced optimism about their prospects, correspondents in parts of the country reported thin voter turnout during the first hours. By 9:30 a.m., BBC reporters in Gopalganj described polling stations as “virtually empty”, with agents from only one major party visibly present in many centres.

Elsewhere, including Sylhet and areas near Dhaka, turnout was described as modest. In Barishal Government Women’s College polling station, voting began 30 minutes late owing to the absence of polling agents, according to the presiding officer. Some voters in the capital also complained of a slow pace of voting, though no significant disorder was reported nationwide.

Key Electoral Figures

The Awami League is not contesting the election, having been barred from activities under the interim government’s restrictions. The contest is therefore being fought among other parties and independent candidates.

Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, after casting his vote in Eskaton, struck a positive note. “People are participating in a festive spirit, much like Eid,” he said. “Any minor disturbances outside polling centres are being addressed immediately.”

Nevertheless, allegations surfaced from several quarters. Independent candidate Barrister Rumin Farhana in Brahmanbaria-2 claimed there were attempts at ballot tampering in parts of her constituency and said she had informed the army, police and district authorities. Meanwhile, NCP convenor Nahid Islam alleged attacks on party candidates and the closure of campaign offices in certain areas, though he urged supporters to respond “through the ballot”.

BNP Chair Tarique Rahman voted in Gulshan around 9:30 a.m., expressing confidence in his party’s prospects. He acknowledged reports of “undesirable incidents” overnight but said he trusted law enforcement to maintain order. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and other senior leaders similarly voiced hope for a fair outcome, stating they would accept results provided the poll was free and impartial.

Despite scattered concerns and light early turnout in some districts, party leaders across the spectrum expressed guarded satisfaction with the morning’s proceedings, anticipating greater voter participation as the day progresses.