In the densely populated area of Banshal in Old Dhaka, the atmosphere on Thursday morning was animated as voters made their way to the polling stations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the accompanying referendum. One of the key polling centres in the area, Banshal Balika High School, stood out for its unique approach to facilitating women voters.
The centre has been designated exclusively for female voters, a move designed to encourage women’s participation in the electoral process. Md. Masudul Islam, the presiding officer of the centre, explained at midday, “All voters at this centre are women. Not only that, but every polling agent and assistant presiding officer is also female. The response has been overwhelmingly positive so far, and we have not received any complaints.”
Throughout the morning, the centre buzzed with activity, yet maintained an atmosphere of order and calm. Many women, some of whom had not voted in years, expressed relief and satisfaction at the smooth process. Shirin Akter, a homemaker, shared her experience: “I was unable to vote in 2014, so being able to participate now after so many years feels very satisfying. Everything has been seamless, and I have encountered no issues.”
The school houses four polling rooms, each meticulously managed by female polling officers and agents. Observers noted a scene of careful attention and respect for privacy, particularly for women wearing burqas. Each voter’s identity was verified by female staff before receiving a ballot paper. Impressively, there were no objections or disturbances during this verification process, reflecting both the discipline of the staff and the trust of the voters.
Key details of the Banshal polling centre are summarised in the table below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Centre Name | Banshal Balika High School |
| Designation | Female-only voters centre |
| Presiding Officer | Md. Masudul Islam |
| Assistant Officers | All female |
| Polling Agents | All female |
| Number of Polling Rooms | 4 |
| Voter Turnout | Strong morning presence |
| Complaints Received | None |
| Environment | Calm and orderly |
Election officials noted that such women-focused centres play a crucial role in promoting female participation in politics. By ensuring a safe and supportive environment, they not only empower women to exercise their voting rights but also set a precedent for inclusive election management.
Observers praised the seamless coordination between staff and voters, highlighting the importance of trust, efficiency, and respect for privacy in maintaining electoral integrity. The Banshal centre, with its entirely female operational team, serves as a model for other constituencies seeking to enhance women’s engagement in the democratic process.
