Bangladesh reclaims vote in festive mood, muted turnout
Voters of all ages turned out from early morning at polling centres across the country, with long queues forming well before voting began.
Bangladeshis exercised their most fundamental democratic right today (12 February) by voting in the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, marking the country's first nationwide double-ballot poll.
Polling was largely peaceful and festive, aside from a handful of isolated incidents, although voter turnout was lower than expected, with the unofficial figure standing at 61%. Voting began at 7:30am and concluded at 4:30pm, with counting starting immediately afterwards. Final results are expected by tomorrow (13 February).
Voters of all ages turned out from early morning at polling centres across the country, with long queues forming well before voting began. Many described the atmosphere as celebratory, with some even comparing it to Eid day, reflecting relief and joy at participating in a competitive election after nearly two decades.
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Several voters said they felt they were reclaiming a right denied to them for years, while jubilant scenes were reported outside centres as people emerged with ink-marked fingers. Many described the vote as credible, saying it was the first genuinely free election they had experienced in 17 years.
After polls closed, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described the election as the most peaceful and festive in the country's history, urging all sides to preserve the democratic momentum.
"If this continuity can be maintained, our democracy will reach the pinnacle of excellence. Let us work together to strengthen this journey," he said.
Low turnout
The overall turnout was lower than many observers had expected, despite the election being one of the country's most consequential, following the bloody uprising of July 2024.
Expectations of a large voter presence were also shaped by the three previous general elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024, held under the now-ousted Awami League and widely criticised as sham polls.
At the close of voting, the unofficial turnout stood at 61%, marking a sharp decline when compared with earlier competitive elections.
Turnout was 87% in 2008, a figure often linked to the introduction of photo-based voter identification cards, although participation had already been on an upward trend.
In the 2001 general election, turnout was 75.59%, while the June 1996 election recorded 74.96% participation. The 1991 election, held after the fall of Hussain Muhammad Ershad, saw turnout at 55.45%.
Political observers attributed the lower participation mainly to the absence of the Awami League from the ballot, saying many of its supporters stayed away from polling centres. They also pointed to disengagement among sections of Generation Z voters, some of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the interim government.
Sabir Mustafa, former head of BBC Bangla, said the lack of inclusivity had a direct impact. "The election was not fully inclusive. The exclusion of the Awami League was bound to have a significant impact on overall turnout," he said.
BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said voter participation could have been higher had some groups not threatened and discouraged people from voting.
"Without such incidents, turnout could have been higher," he said.
Festive atmosphere
Security was tight throughout the day, with nearly 900,000 personnel, including members of the armed forces, deployed nationwide. Officials said the heavy presence helped maintain order.
In Dhaka, voters turned out in large numbers at several centres. Nusrat Chowdhury, a former college teacher, voted at Sher-e-Bangla High School on Manik Mia Avenue and reported no irregularities.
"It feels like the vote is truly back in the country. This could be the most peaceful election in our history, if it ends as it began," she said.
Not all voters found the process easy. Uzma Haider, who uses a wheelchair, struggled to access a polling centre on the third floor of Banani Bidya Niketon due to the lack of ramps or lifts.
"I came here half an hour ago, but I cannot go upstairs," she said, adding she had not voted since 2001.
In Keraniganj, 70-year-old Momtaz Begum arrived at Madhurchar Government Primary School despite severe leg pain, leaning on relatives for support. "I came all the way just to vote for my favourite candidate," she said.
Young voters were also visible. Redwan Ahmed, an honours student voting at Bornomala School, said excitement kept him awake the night before.
First-time voters said they hoped the next parliament would ensure fairness and accountability. Fahmida Mehanaz Atoshe said voting was a proud moment and urged the next government to protect fundamental rights. "I feel honoured to shape the future of our country," she said.
Isolated clashes
However, the day was marred by isolated violence. At least six people, including two polling agents, were injured in a clash between supporters of rival candidates in Anwara upazila of Chattogram.
In Bagerhat's Sarankhola upazila, at least 15 BNP and Jamaat activists were injured in clashes, prompting heightened security. Similar incidents were reported in Joypurhat.
Meanwhile, nine people, including a BNP leader in Khulna and a polling officer in Brahmanbaria, died in separate incidents linked to illness and arguments during polling.
