Love for country brings 120-year-old to polling station in Jashore

At an age when most memories blur, and movements slow to a shuffle, Swarna Begum still remembers one thing clearly: her vote matters.

Bent with age and her eyesight nearly gone, the 120-year-old from Jamjami village under Bhojgati union in Manirampur upazila arrived at her local polling station on Thursday morning, leaning on a walking stick and supported by her relatives.

Each step seemed laboured, but her resolve was unmistakable.

Despite her frailty, Swarna Begum was determined to cast her ballot in the election.

For her, voting is not just a constitutional right — it is a lifelong responsibility.

Her arrival at the polling centre quickly drew attention. Fellow voters paused. Election officials looked on with quiet admiration. Some gathered nearby, witnessing what many described as a rare and deeply moving moment.

"She insisted on coming," a family member said.

"Even though she has been physically weak for years, she believes voting is a sacred duty. She said as long as she is alive, she will try to vote."

Residents said her presence sent a powerful message, particularly to younger generations.

"At this age, if she can come to vote, what excuse do we have?" said one voter standing outside the centre. "Her love for the country is greater than her physical limitations."

Many believe her determination reflects a deeper attachment to the democratic process — a faith built over decades of witnessing the country's political evolution.

Thursday's voting concluded in a largely peaceful atmosphere across the country, with polling held from 7:30am to 4:30pm at 42,659 polling stations in 299 constituencies.

Nearly one million security personnel and an equal number of polling officials were deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the election.

Alongside electing their parliamentary representatives, voters also took part in a referendum, casting 'Yes' or 'No' ballots on proposals for several constitutional amendments.