'Feels like Eid': Elderlies, youths queue up to cast votes
From elderly citizens braving physical ailments to youth voting for the first time in their lives, the atmosphere was described by officials and citizens alike as festive and "reminiscent of Eid."
As the gates to polling stations swung open at 7:30am today (12 February), a wave of long-suppressed electoral enthusiasm swept through the nation.
From elderly citizens braving physical ailments to youth voting for the first time in their lives, the atmosphere was described by officials and citizens alike as festive and "reminiscent of Eid."
In Keraniganj's Madhurchar Government Primary School (Dhaka-2), 70-year-old Momtaz Begum voted. Despite suffering from severe leg pain, she had arrived at the booth leaning on the shoulders of two relatives.
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"I came all the way from Boyatikandi with help just to vote for my favourite candidate," she told The Business Standard after casting her ballot.
Similarly, 67-year-old Sannu Matbor arrived at the same centre struggling with a walking stick. Expressing his relief at the peaceful environment, he said, "It feels great to vote early in the morning without any trouble."
For many young voters, the return of a competitive election was an emotional milestone.
At the Bornomala School centre in Shanir Akhra, Redwan Ahmed, a student, was the second person in line.
"I could not sleep all night out of the excitement of voting," Redwan said.
"I came right after Fajr prayers to stand in line. I am so happy to finally be part of this."
Sara, a 30-year-old banker at Sher-e-Bangla School centre, shared a similar sentiment of reclaiming a lost right.
"We could not vote in past years, so I made sure to come as early as possible today," she said.
For Ashraful Islam, who cast his vote at Central Women's College in Dhaka-6, the experience was a first-time thrill.
'An Eid-like feeling'
At the Eskaton Garden High School centre, the enthusiasm was palpable even before the first ballot was cast.
Earlier, before the polls started, Mohammad Rahat Khan, officer-in-charge of Ramna Police Station, described the scene as extraordinary.
"There is a massive sense of excitement. It feels like Eid for everyone here," he said.
Md Russell, a 30-year-old mechanic who was at the same centre, explained why he was not taking any chances.
"In the last three elections, I could not vote. Once, I had my slip but was not allowed in. This time, I am here early to ensure I cast my own vote by myself."
At Dhaka University (DU), four polling centres saw long queues of men and women forming well before the start time.
During a visit to the University Laboratory School and College centre, DMP Deputy Commissioner (Ramna Division) Masud Alam called it "one of the best elections in history," warning that no attempts to obstruct the process will be tolerated.
Siddiqur Rahman Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts at DU, noted the dual importance of the day.
"The nation is eager to exercise its democratic rights. This vote is crucial, not only will people elect a government of their choice, but they will also play a role in constitutional change through the referendum."
