Bangladesh Conducts 13th Parliamentary Elections with Predominantly Peaceful Atmosphere
Bangladesh participated in its 13th parliamentary elections on Thursday, with voting unfolding under a largely tranquil environment at polling stations nationwide. Despite this overall calm, authorities reported isolated incidents of violence and disturbances from a few specific locations, adding a note of tension to the democratic process.
High Voter Turnout and Positive Experiences at Polling Centres
Across numerous constituencies, voters, including a significant proportion of first-time participants, arrived early at polling centres, forming extensive queues from as early as 6 am. Many of these first-time voters characterized the voting process as smooth, well-managed, and peaceful. They commended the clarity of ballot papers, the orderly arrangements, and the adequate security measures in place.
At a polling centre in the Gulshan area of Dhaka, voters described the procedure as simple and efficient, with booths organized to prevent overcrowding. Several women voters expressed feeling safe inside the polling centres and noted they encountered no barriers while casting their votes. Security arrangements in this area were deemed satisfactory, with no reports of unrest at the site.
Isolated Incidents of Violence Disrupt Polling in Some Areas
However, polling was briefly interrupted at certain centres due to localized violence. In Gopalganj Sadar, a crude bomb exploded at the Reshma International School polling centre around 9 am, resulting in injuries to two security personnel and a 13-year-old child, and causing damage to the main gate of the facility, according to officials. Police stated that miscreants threw the bomb from across a nearby canal while voting was in progress. Authorities confirmed that the situation was quickly brought under control, and voting resumed thereafter.
A similar incident occurred in Munshiganj’s Mollakandi Union, where a crude bomb exploded at a polling centre, followed by a brief chase between rival supporters. Police indicated that supporters of a BNP-backed candidate and an independent candidate were involved in the altercation, though no injuries were immediately confirmed from this event.
Fatality Reported Amid Election Day Tensions
Meanwhile, in Khulna, BNP Metropolitan leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi, aged 60, died after collapsing at a polling centre following a scuffle, as reported by police and party sources. Officials mentioned that law enforcement personnel were promptly deployed to the scene, and voting continued at the centre despite the tragic incident.
Overall Election Progression and Voter Statistics
Despite these isolated incidents, election officials affirmed that polling was proceeding across the country without major disruptions. Bangladesh boasts nearly 127 million eligible voters for this election, including approximately 4.57 million first-time voters. The Election Commission announced that vote counting will commence after voting concludes at 4 pm, with results anticipated to be declared on February 13.
This report incorporates inputs from various news agencies to provide a comprehensive overview of the election day events.
