What Tarique, Shafiqur and Nahid said after casting their votes
'We will prioritise improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure if we can form the government,' Tarique said after casting his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College in Gulshan-2.
Voting in the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum-2026 is underway simultaneously in 299 constituencies across the country today (12 February), with candidates and voters casting their ballots amid enthusiasm.
After casting their votes, political leaders expressed optimism about a new Bangladesh and urged citizens to take part in the election peacefully.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said his party would prioritise improving law and order if it forms the government.
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"We will prioritise improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure if we can form the government," he said after casting his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College in Gulshan-2.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said his party would accept the results if the election is conducted fairly.
"If the voting is held in a free and fair manner, we will accept the results," he told reporters after casting his vote at the Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College polling centre in Dhaka.
Shafiqur also said many young voters were casting their ballots for the first time.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir cast his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls' High School polling centre in his home district shortly after voting began at 7:30am.
After exercising his franchise, Fakhrul expressed hope that the election would usher in a new chapter for Bangladesh.
"We expect this election to be free, fair, and neutral, and to be held peacefully with the participation of all. We believe it will usher in a new chapter for the country," he said.
Referring to what he described as years of sacrifice, Fakhrul said the day had come after overcoming many obstacles and bloodshed.
"Today marks a new journey for democracy in Bangladesh. We hope this path will lead the country's politics, economy, and people's lives towards a better future," he added.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam cast his first-ever vote at AKM Rahmatullah University College polling centre in Dhaka and urged citizens to participate in the electoral process peacefully and "reclaim ownership" of the country through the ballot.
"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," he said while speaking to reporters.
