Voter Turnout Rises Early in Chittagong Election

Chittagong witnessed a steady flow of voters on Thursday morning as the 13th national parliamentary election and concurrent referendum commenced. Polling stations across the city opened at 7:30 a.m., and both male and female voters were seen arriving consistently in the early hours.

Observers at Chittagong-9 (Kotwali) and Chittagong-10 (Double Mooring–Pahartali) reported that women accounted for the majority of early voters. At the Shining Hour School centre in Lal Khan Bazar, first-time voter Sharafuddin Ahmed cast his ballot and expressed enthusiasm: “It is a great joy to vote for the first time. I hope the process proceeds peacefully and results are announced transparently, strengthening democratic practice.”

Several polling stations, including West Baklia, Dewan Bazar, Kazem Ali School and College, Dr. Khastagir Government High School, and the Chittagong Regional Public Administration Training Centre, saw a noticeably higher turnout of female voters at the outset. Many centres had designated separate queues for women, which in some cases were longer than those for men. Housewives and working women alike appeared keen to fulfil their civic duties early in the day, before attending to domestic or professional responsibilities.

Male voter turnout picked up after midday, contributing to a steady increase in overall participation. Across Chittagong’s 16 parliamentary constituencies, a total of 6,684,230 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 1,965 polling stations.

Constituency-wise Voter and Candidate Overview – Chittagong

A total of 115 candidates, representing 25 political parties and independents, are contesting the 16 seats. Chittagong-15 (Lohagara–Satkania partial) has the lowest number of candidates, with only three individuals running.

Chittagong’s Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Minya, confirmed stringent security measures across the district: “Around 40,000 law enforcement personnel are deployed, supported by 115 judicial and executive magistrates. Each magistrate oversees a striking force with continuous patrolling and surveillance. No complaints have been reported so far.”

Reports from across the city indicate that polling is proceeding peacefully and in an orderly fashion, with voters engaging actively in the democratic process. Early indications suggest a strong turnout, particularly among female constituents, reflecting heightened civic participation in the region.