Postal ballot counting begins for 13 Dhaka constituencies

Authorities began counting postal ballots for 13 constituencies in the capital at 4:30pm today (12 February), shortly after voting in the 13th national parliamentary election concluded.

"The counting of postal ballots started at 4:30pm at Will's Little Flower School and College in Kakrail for 13 constituencies," said Md Abdur Rahim, director of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner's Office, speaking to BSS.

The Dhaka Divisional Commissioner's Office, which also functions as the Returning Officer's Office, is overseeing the counting for Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-6, Dhaka-7, Dhaka-8, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-11, Dhaka-12, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-16, Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18.

Rahim said the collection of postal ballots began on 3 February. Due to space constraints at the Divisional Commissioner's Office, authorities moved the counting process to Will's Little Flower School and College.

He added that officials will send the results directly to the Divisional Commissioner's Office, where postal ballot totals will be added to regular vote counts before preliminary constituency-wise results are announced.

Dhaka has a total of 20 constituencies, 15 of which fall within the metropolitan area. The Dhaka Divisional Commissioner oversees 13 constituencies, while two are under the Regional Election Commission. The remaining five constituencies fall under the jurisdiction of the District Commissioner.