News Desk : dhakamirror.com
Bangladesh is voting today in its 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, held simultaneously with a nationwide referendum on whether voters support the proposed state reforms known as the ‘July National Charter’.
Polling is taking place in 299 out of 300 constituencies, as voting in Sherpur-3 has been postponed following the death of a candidate in the seat.
Balloting began at 7:30am and will continue until 4:30pm, with election officials instructed to ensure that no voter is deprived of casting their ballot due to time constraints.
In the capital, voters were seen heading to different polling centres since morning. However, turnout appeared relatively low in the early hours, and roads remained less busy with limited public transport
At Nakhalpara Hossain Ali High School and Dhanmondi High School, a good number of voters were observed standing in queues. A huge crowd was seen at the Jigatola Staff Quarters Community Centre and Jigatola Government Primary School.
Polling agents of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jamaat-e-Islami and Haat Pakha were present at the men’s voting booths at the Jigatola Staff Quarters Community Centre.
Over 300 people were seen standing in queues waiting to cast their votes at Hazi Abdul Awal Degree College in Kamrangir Char.
The police, army and ansar members were seen working to maintain law and order situation.
In contrast, comparatively fewer voters were seen at Dhaka City College, Lalmatia Government Women’s College, and Uttara High School and College.
In areas such as Shahbagh, Hatirpool, Science Laboratory, Dhanmondi and Jigatola, roads were noticeably less crowded, with only a small number of vehicles — particularly rickshaws — plying the streets.
In Rajshahi city, a large turnout of voters were seen at polling centres from early morning.
During visits to several polling stations in Rajshahi city, a steady stream of voters was observed lining up to cast their ballots shortly after polling started.
Samiul Islam, a young voter who cast his vote at Atkoshi High School polling centre, told New Age that he was excited to vote for the first time.
‘I am very happy to be able to cast my vote for my preferred candidates,’ he said.
Moyeen Uddin, an assistant presiding officer at Sopura Annoda Government Primary School, told New Age that voter participation began promptly.
‘About ten votes were cast at my booth within the first ten minutes of polling,’ he said.
Meanwhile, polling agents representing the paddy sheaf and the scale symbols were present at all centres visited by this correspondent, while agents of the kettle symbol were found at some polling stations.
Besides, supporters carrying election materials of a Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate were seen roaming around the Rajshahi TTC polling centre, despite election guidelines restricting such activities near polling stations.
A total of 2,028 candidates from 50 political parties are contesting the elections, including 274 independents and 41 women candidates. The total number of registered political parties in the country stands at 60.
Among the major contenders, the BNP has fielded 291 candidates, the highest among all parties. Islami Andolon Bangladesh has nominated 258 candidates, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami with 228 and the Jatiya Party with 198.
Authorities have urged voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in what is being seen as a significant electoral and constitutional moment for the country.
– Input from New Age was used in this article.
