"International observers witnessed lively polling stations and enthusiastic voter activity."

Foreign election monitors visiting polling stations across the country during the 13th National Parliament elections and concurrent referendum have reported highly positive voter engagement and enthusiasm.

On Thursday, 12 February, following visits to multiple polling centres in the capital, the observers shared their assessments with journalists, highlighting the orderly and energetic conduct of the electorate.

At the Vicarunnessa Noon School and College polling station, the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group and former President of Ghana, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, noted, “Our observation indicates that the voting process is proceeding smoothly. From 7:00 am, a 23-member team from the Commonwealth has been present at the centre, closely monitoring the overall situation.”

Throughout the day, the observers toured several other centres in Dhaka. At Dhaka University’s Curzon Hall polling station, the head of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Evert Izabs, remarked, “We have witnessed notable enthusiasm among the country’s citizens regarding the elections. The EU anticipates that this election will be participatory and credible. Positive engagement has been observed across the centres visited up to midday. Our preliminary report, to be published on 14 February, will present a comprehensive overview of the electoral process.”

Japanese observers, after visiting various Dhaka centres since the morning, reported a festive atmosphere. One Japanese monitor stated, “Bangladeshi citizens have a celebratory spirit; for them, voting is more than a civic duty—it is a form of festival.”

Meanwhile, following a visit to the Gulshan Model High School and College polling station, David Brear, a Congressman and observer from the International Republican Institute (IRI), commented, “This election highlights the pivotal role of new and young voters. Their active participation has added a fresh dimension to the electoral process.”

The observers’ overall impressions indicate a strong sense of civic engagement, a well-organised voting process, and enthusiastic turnout, signalling both domestic and international confidence in the integrity of the election.

Observers’ Key Findings at Dhaka Polling Centres

Observers praised the country’s voters for their spirited participation and the efficient management of polling centres, highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to transparent and inclusive democracy.