Groom Casts Vote Amid Nilphamari Festivities

Nilphamari, 12 February — The air in Nilphamari district was charged with festivity on Thursday as voters turned out in large numbers for parliamentary elections, embracing the occasion with enthusiasm and civic spirit. From the early hours, polling stations across the district saw a steady stream of voters, with crowds forming at major centres such as Pilot Girls’ High School in the city.

Amid the usual hustle and bustle, one striking scene drew attention during the midday hours: a young man arrived at the polling station dressed in full wedding attire. Samiul Islam, 32, from the Niamatpur Sarkarpur area, cast his vote while dressed as a groom. He explained his choice, saying, “Today is a memorable day for me, as I am participating in my own family wedding celebrations. I wanted to mark the occasion by exercising my right to vote in my wedding attire. I encourage young people to vote responsibly and choose capable candidates.”

Locals expressed admiration for Samiul’s commitment. Anarul Islam, a resident, remarked, “Seeing a groom come to vote is both surprising and inspiring. It’s an excellent example for the youth, demonstrating how important it is to take part in elections.”

Nilphamari district is holding elections across four parliamentary constituencies, with a total of 1,580,306 registered voters. Of these, 787,289 are women, 793,007 are men, and 10 voters identify as third gender. A total of 27 candidates are contesting the four seats. The breakdown of voters and candidates by constituency is as follows:

The scene in Nilphamari reflects more than mere voter participation; it showcases the celebratory spirit with which citizens are approaching democracy. Samiul Islam’s act of voting in wedding attire has captured local attention, reinforcing the significance of the ballot and providing a unique inspiration for young voters across the district. In a year when political engagement among youth is increasingly vital, such examples underline the message that exercising one’s franchise can be both civic-minded and personally meaningful.