Voting takes priority over challenges, says Nahid after casting vote
Nahid Islam urged voters to focus on casting their ballots peacefully despite reports of attacks on supporters
NCP Convener Nahid Islam cast his first-ever vote on this morning (12 February), urging citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process and to "reclaim ownership" of the country through the ballot.
Nahid Islam voted at the AKM Rahmatullah University College polling centre at 8:05am and later addressed reporters at the venue.
In Dhaka-11 (Badda–Vatara–Rampura) constituency, multiple candidates are contesting the 13th national parliamentary election. From the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), M A Quayum is running, while Nahid Islam is contesting as the candidate of the 12-party alliance representing the NCP.
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After casting his vote, Nahid Islam told reporters, "12 February is a historic day for Bangladesh. Voting for the 13th parliamentary election began at 7:30am.
He added, "I cast the first vote of my life at Rahmatullah University College. I voted smoothly in a peaceful and quiet environment. I urge everyone to come to the polling centres without fear and cast their votes. Come in groups and make sure your voices are heard. Today is the day to claim ownership of this country. For the past 16 years, there was no opportunity for a free and fair election. Today, we have the chance to strengthen democracy by exercising our right to vote and to implement the reform process through a 'Yes' vote in the referendum."
Nahid Islam said that although reports of some unwanted incidents came in from a few places last night, the issues have been addressed.
"Supporters of different candidates were attacked, and many faced significant challenges," he noted. "However, we are not giving much importance to these difficulties. Our priority is on voting and exercising our democratic rights."
