BNP clocks landslide victory as Jamaat's religion card fails
The BNP secured 209 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami won 68, as the Election Commission disclosed the unofficial election results for 297 constituencies.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies secured a commanding majority in the landmark national elections, following a largely peaceful double-ballot vote to elect a new government and decide on major constitutional reforms.
As the results start to pour in, here is our live coverage:
2:51pm
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The BNP secured 209 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami won 68, as the Election Commission disclosed the unofficial election results for 297 constituencies this afternoon.
Besides, the National Citizen Party (NCP) emerged victorious in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP, led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Gono Odhikar Parishad in one, Ganosamhati Andolon in one and Khelafat Majlis in one parliamentary seat, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed revealed at a press briefing at the capital's Nirbachan Bhaban.
11:59am
The Election Commission put the voter turnout at 59.44%.
10:50am
The Election Commission has published results for 297 constituencies. Of these, The Business Standard has analysed the outcomes of 269 seats.
According to the analysis, the BNP secured 197 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami won 56.
Independent candidates took seven seats, the National Citizen Party (NCP) won four seats, while the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis secured two.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Ganosamhati Andolon won one seat each.
09:56am
BNP candidate Sheikh Rabiul Alam wins in Dhaka-10
BNP candidate Sheikh Rabiul Alam has been unofficially elected from Dhaka-10.
He received 80,436 votes. His closest competitor, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Jasim Uddin Sarkar, secured 77,136 votes.
09:20am
Jamaat candidate Md Abdul Baten wins in Dhaka-16
Jamaat candidate Md Abdul Baten has been unofficially elected from Dhaka-16.
He received 88,828 votes. His closest competitor, BNP candidate Md Aminul Haque, secured 85,467 votes.
09:08am
Jamaat candidate Md Saiful Alam wins in Dhaka-12
Jamaat candidate Md Saiful Alam has been unofficially elected from Dhaka-12.
He received 53,773 votes. His closest competitor, Workers Party of Bangladesh candidate Saiful Haque, secured 30,963 votes.
09:17am
BNP wins all 3 seats in Gopalganj
In Gopalganj-1 (Muksudpur and part of Kashiani), BNP candidate Selimuzzaman Molla has been unofficially elected. He received 68,867 votes under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. His closest competitor, Gano Odhikar Parishad candidate Md Kabir Mia, secured 53,961 votes with the 'truck' symbol.
In Gopalganj-2 (Sadar and part of Kashiani), BNP candidate Dr KM Babar has been unofficially elected. He received 40,048 votes under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. His closest competitor, independent candidate MH Khan Manju, secured 33,039 votes with the 'deer' symbol.
In Gopalganj-3 (Tungipara and Kotalipara), BNP candidate SM Jilani has been unofficially elected by receiving 60,166 votes under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. His closest competitor, independent candidate Gobinda Chandra Pramanik of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajot, secured 33,867 votes with the 'horse' symbol.
08:56am
BNP wins in Jhalakathi-2
In Jhalakathi-2 (Sadar–Nalchity), BNP alliance candidate Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto was unofficially elected with 113,100 votes under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. Her closest rival, S M Nayeamul Karim of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, secured 69,805 votes with the 'scales' symbol.
08:55am
Jamaat in Rangpur-1
In Rangpur-1, Jamaat candidate Mohammad Raihan Siraji was unofficially elected with 147,245 votes ('scales'). His closest competitor, BNP candidate Mokarram Hossain Sujan, received 69,131 votes ('sheaf of paddy').
08:53am
BNP wins all 4 seats in Bhola
In Bhola-1 (Sadar), Andalib Rahman Partha, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party and a BNP alliance candidate, was elected with 105,543 votes under the 'bullock cart' symbol. Jamaat candidate Nazrul Islam secured 75,337 votes.
In Bhola-2 (Daulatkhan–Borhanuddin), BNP candidate Hafiz Ibrahim won with 119,085 votes ('sheaf of paddy'). His closest rival, Mufti Fazlul Karim, received 93,703 votes.
In Bhola-3 (Lalmohan–Tazumuddin), BNP standing committee member Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was elected with 145,990 votes ('sheaf of paddy'). His nearest rival, Muhammad Nizamul Haque of the Bangladesh Development Party-Jamaat alliance, secured 57,351 votes under the 'cauliflower' symbol.
In Bhola-4 (Charfassion–Monpura), BNP candidate Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan was elected with 189,351 votes ('sheaf of paddy'). Jamaat candidate Mostafa Kamal received 81,437 votes.
08:45am
BNP wins both seats in Shariatpur
In Shariatpur-1, BNP candidate Saeed Ahmed was unofficially elected with 77,398 votes ('sheaf of paddy'). His closest rival, Jalaluddin Ahmed of Khelafat Majlis, received 62,717 votes ('rickshaw'), with a margin of 14,681 votes.
In Shariatpur-2, BNP candidate Shafiqul Rahman Kiron won with 129,814 votes ('sheaf of paddy'). Jamaat candidate Mahmud Hossain secured 70,892 votes ('scales'), losing by a margin of 58,922 votes.
08:01am
Jamaat wins 3 of 4 seats in Bagerhat, BNP takes 1
Out of four constituencies in Bagerhat, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has been unofficially elected in three, while BNP secured one seat, according to the returning officer.
In Bagerhat-1 (Chitalmari, Fakirhat and Mollahat), Jamaat candidate Maulana Mashiur Rahman was unofficially elected with 117,966 votes under the 'scales' symbol. His closest rival, BNP's Kapil Krishna, received 114,590 votes with the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol.
In Bagerhat-2 (Sadar and Kachua), Jamaat candidate Sheikh Manjurul Haque Rahad won with 116,370 votes ('scales'). BNP candidate Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain secured 66,274 votes ('sheaf of paddy').
In Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal), BNP candidate Sheikh Faridul Islam was elected with 103,711 votes under the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. Jamaat's Adv. Abdul Wadud received 83,705 votes ('scales').
In Bagerhat-4 (Morelganj-Sharankhola), Jamaat candidate Abdul Alim won with 116,067 votes ('scales'). BNP's Somnath Dey secured 98,326 votes ('sheaf of paddy'), with a margin of 17,741 votes.
08:00am
NCP candidate Nahid Islam wins in Dhaka-11
NCP candidate Md Nahid Islam has been unofficially elected from Dhaka-11 with the 'Shapla Koli' symbol.
He received 93,872 votes. His closest competitor, BNP candidate MA Kaiyum, secured 91,833 votes, losing by a margin of 2,039 votes.
The results were announced by Dhaka Divisional Commissioner (Returning Officer) Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury around 6:45am today. Voting was held at 163 centres, including postal ballots, with a turnout of 45%.
There were 439,075 registered voters in the constituency. Of them, 196,370 cast their votes. A total of 3,517 ballots were rejected, leaving 192,853 valid votes.
08:00am
Jamaat candidates win all 4 seats in Satkhira
Jamaat-e-Islami secured victories in all four constituencies of Satkhira district in the 13th parliamentary election.
In Satkhira-1 (Tala–Kalaroa), Jamaat candidate Principal Md Izzat Ullah won with 193,772 votes from 168 centres and postal ballots. His closest competitor, BNP leader Habibul Islam Habib with the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, received 169,995 votes.
In the referendum, 'Yes' votes stood at 228,404 and 'No' votes at 121,256, with a turnout of 75.64%.
In Satkhira-2 (Sadar–Debhata), former MP and Jamaat leader Muhaddis Abdul Khaleq won by a large margin, securing 266,959 votes from 180 centres. BNP candidate Md Abdur Rauf got 150,283 votes.
In the referendum, 'Yes' votes were 292,828 and 'No' votes 86,619, with turnout at 73.79%.
In Satkhira-3 (Ashashuni–Kaliganj), Jamaat's Muha. Rabiul Basar won with 184,233 votes. Independent candidate Dr Shahidul Alam (football symbol) got 105,389 votes, while BNP candidate Kazi Alauddin (sheaf of paddy symbol) secured 56,819 votes.
In the referendum, 'Yes' votes were 232,925 and 'No' votes 104,883, with turnout at 70.99%.
In Satkhira-4 (Shyamnagar), Jamaat leader Gazi Nazrul Islam was re-elected with 106,913 votes. His closest rival, BNP candidate Dr Md Moniruzzaman, received 85,466 votes.
In the referendum, 'Yes' votes stood at 129,741 and 'No' votes at 60,779, with turnout recorded at 67.76%.
The final results were formally announced early in the morning by District Commissioner and Returning Officer Afroza Akter.
07:58am
Jamaat candidates win both seats in Chuadanga
In Chuadanga-1, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Masud Parvez was unofficially elected with 211,041 votes. His closest competitor, BNP candidate Md Sharifuzzaman, secured 153,193 votes.
In Chuadanga-2, Jamaat candidate Md Ruhur Amin, contesting with the 'scales' symbol, was unofficially elected with 208,011 votes. His nearest rival, BNP candidate Mahmud Hasan Khan with the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol, received 163,877 votes.
A total of 385,447 votes were cast in this constituency, representing 78.27% of the electorate.
07:44am
BNP candidates win all 3 Manikganj constituencies
BNP candidate SA Jinnah Kabir has been unofficially elected from Manikganj-1 (Ghior, Daulatpur and Shibalaya), securing 137,776 votes with the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. His nearest rival, BNP rebel candidate Md Tozammel Haque, received 77,818 votes with the Horse symbol.
In Manikganj-2 (Singair, Harirampur, and two unions of Sadar), BNP candidate Moinul Islam Khan Shanto has been unofficially elected with 175,776 votes. His closest competitor, Khelafat Majlis candidate Md Salah Uddin Dewal, secured 81,531 votes with the Wall Clock symbol.
In Manikganj-3 (Saturia, Manikganj municipality, and eight unions of the district sadar), BNP candidate Afroza Khanam has been unofficially elected, receiving 167,345 votes with the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. Her nearest rival, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Muhammad Sayed Nur, polled 64,242 votes with the Rickshaw symbol.
07:07am
BNP's Mustafizur wins in Narayanganj-1
BNP central executive committee member Mustafizur Rahman Bhuiyan has been unofficially elected from the Narayanganj-1 constituency with a landslide victory.
He secured 155,421 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami's Dhaka South Shura member Anwar Hossain Molla, received 90,289 votes.
07:01am
BNP candidate Dewan Salahuddin wins in Dhaka-19
BNP candidate Dewan Mohammad Salauddin has been unofficially elected from Dhaka-19.
He received 190,976 votes. His closest competitor, NCP candidate Dilshana Parul, secured 125,283 votes.
06:46am
Gaibandha-1, 2, 3, 5: Jamaat candidates wins; BNP wins Gaibandha-4
In Gaibandha-1, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Majedur Rahman was unofficially elected with 140,726 votes, defeating BNP's Ziaul Islam, who received 37,997 votes.
In Gaibandha-2, Jamaat candidate Md Abdul Karim secured 122,630 votes, while BNP's Anisuzzaman Khan got 92,890 votes.
In Gaibandha-3, Jamaat's Maulana Nazrul Islam was unofficially elected with 162,457 votes. His nearest rival, BNP's Moinul Hasan Sadiq, received 139,864 votes.
In Gaibandha-5, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and freedom fighter Abdul Warech won unofficially with 89,274 votes. BNP's Faruk Alam Sarkar received 73,483 votes.
Meanwhile, in Gaibandha-4, BNP candidate Shamim Kaisar secured victory with 142,772 votes. Jamaat candidate Abdur Rahim received 139,738 votes.
06:33am
BNP's Farid wins in Cox's Bazar-2
BNP-nominated candidate Almgir Muhammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid has been unofficially elected from Cox's Bazar-2 (Maheshkhali-Kutubdia) constituency with 124,660 votes.
His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Hamidur Rahman Azad, secured 89,817 votes. The margin of victory is 34,843 votes.
The results were announced at night by the assistant returning officers of Maheshkhali and Kutubdia upazilas.
06:26am
NCP candidate Atikur wins in Kurigram-2
National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Atikur Rahman has secured victory in Kurigram-2 with 178,869 votes.
His closest competitor, BNP's Sohel Hossain Kaykobad, received 170,335 votes.
06:13am
Chandpur-1, 2, 3, 5: BNP candidates win; independent wins Chandpur-4
In Chandpur-1, BNP's ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon was unofficially elected with 133,032 votes. Jamaat's Abu Naser Md Mokbul Ahmed received 70,368 votes.
In Chandpur-2, BNP's Md Jalal Uddin secured 172,506 votes. LDP candidate Md Billal Hossain received 57,406 votes.
In Chandpur-3, BNP's Sheikh Farid Ahmed won with 165,404 votes. Jamaat's Md Shahjahan Mia received 100,865 votes.
In Chandpur-5, BNP's Md Mominul Haque secured 123,789 votes. LDP's Md Nayeamul Bashir received 50,585 votes.
Meanwhile, in Chandpur-4, independent candidate Abdul Hannan was unofficially elected with 73,599 votes. BNP's Md Harunur Rashid received 67,833 votes.
06:05am
BNP's Zainal Abedin wins in Feni-2
BNP candidate Zainal Abedin has been unofficially elected from Feni-2 with 131,210 votes.
His nearest rival, AB Party candidate Mohammad Mujibur Rahman Bhuiyan (Manju), received 80,058 votes.
6am
BNP candidates secured victory in Jamalpur-1, 2, 3, 4, 5
In Jamalpur-1, BNP's M Rashiduzzaman Millat secured 172,115 votes, defeating Jamaat's Md Nazmul Haque, who received 93,662 votes.
In Jamalpur-2, BNP's Sultan Mahmud (Babu) won with 95,378 votes. Jamaat's Shamiul Haque Faruqi received 61,655 votes.
In Jamalpur-3, BNP's Md Mostafizur Rahman (Babul) was unofficially elected with 206,214 votes. Jamaat's Md Mujibur Rahman secured 79,607 votes.
In Jamalpur-4, BNP's Md Faridul Kabir Talukder won with 146,546 votes, while Jamaat's Mohammad Abdul Awal received 44,161 votes.
In Jamalpur-5, BNP's Shah Md Warech Ali (Mamun) secured 198,292 votes. Jamaat's Muhammad Abdus Sattar received 111,695 votes.
5:25am
BNP wins four Rajshahi seats, Jamaat takes two
BNP-backed candidates won four of Rajshahi's six parliamentary constituencies in unofficial results, while Jamaat candidates secured the remaining two.
5:20am
Bobby Hajjaj beats Mamunul by over 2,000 votes in Dhaka-13
BNP-nominated candidate Bobby Hajjaj has secured victory in the Dhaka-13 constituency by a margin of more than 2,000 votes, according to preliminary unofficial results.
Based on the primary count, Hajjaj received 88,387 votes, while his closest rival, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque, secured 86,067 votes – giving the BNP candidate a lead of 2,320 votes.
4:25am
Abbas defeats Patwary by about 5,000 votes
In Dhaka-8, BNP candidate Mirza Abbas has been unofficially declared the winner, defeating his nearest rival NCP candidate Nasiruddin Patwary by more than 5,000 votes.
The result was announced by Dhaka Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, reports Prothom Alo.
Abbas secured a total of 59,366 votes, while Patwary received 54,127 votes.
4:20am
Chattogram: BNP sweeps 6 seats, Jamaat takes 2
The BNP has secured six constituencies in Chattogram district, while Jamaat-e-Islami-backed candidates have won two, according to unofficial results announced after vote counting.
3:15am
BNP's Hummam Quader wins Chattogram-7
BNP candidate Hummam Quader Chowdhury has won the Chattogram-7 constituency, securing 1,14,045 votes, according to unofficial results.
His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate ATM Rezaul Karim, received 41,719 votes.
3:08am
Jamaat candidate wins Chuadanga-2
In Chuadanga-2, Jamaat candidate Ruhul Amin secured 208,011 votes, defeating BNP candidate Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, who received 163,877 votes.
2:15am
BNP leads in landmark polls
The BNP and "Yes" vote were leading in the 13th parliamentary election and referendum respectively as Bangladeshis exercised their most fundamental democratic right yesterday by voting in the country's first nationwide double-ballot poll.
According to the latest Election Commission data available until 2am, the BNP secured 28 seats. Jamaat-e-Islami won 13 seats, the NCP one, while other parties secured two seats. In the referendum, the "Yes" vote was leading with 78%.
However, according to the BNP Election Steering Committee, the party had won 153 seats, Jamaat sources said their 11-party alliance had won 40 seats.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was unofficially declared elected from the Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies.
BNP Central Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin last night said they are confident of forming the next government with more than a two-thirds majority.
Polling was largely peaceful and festive, aside from a handful of isolated incidents, although voter turnout was lower than expected. Voting began at 7:30am and concluded at 4:30pm, with counting starting immediately afterwards. Final results are expected by today.
After polls closed, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described the election as the most peaceful and festive in the country's history, urging all sides to preserve the democratic momentum.
"If this continuity can be maintained, our democracy will reach the pinnacle of excellence. Let us work together to strengthen this journey," he said.
2:10am
Jamaat wins three seats in Kushtia, BNP secures one
Jamaat-e-Islami has secured three out of four parliamentary constituencies in Kushtia district, while the BNP bagged one, according to unofficial results.
2:05am
Sarjis Alam loses to BNP's Nawshad Zamir in Panchagarh-1
NCP leader and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate Sarjis Alam has lost to BNP-nominated candidate Md Nawshad Zamir by 8,120 votes in the Panchagarh-1.
According to preliminary unofficial results from all 156 polling centres, Sarjis secured 1,68,049 votes, while Nawshad received 1,76,169 votes.
2:00am
BNP's Anee wins Lakshmipur-3
BNP candidate Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has defeated Jamaat candidate Md Rezaul Karim by 16,686 votes in Lakshmipur-3.
Anee secured 1,33,765 votes, while his nearest rival, Rezaul Karim, received 1,17,079 votes.
1:56am
Rumeen Farhana wins Brahmanbaria-2
In Brahmanbaria-2, independent candidate Rumeen Farhana, contesting with the 'duck' symbol, has secured a landslide win.
Rumeen has bagged 1,17,495 votes, while her closest rival, BNP-allied Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh candidate Mohammad Junayed Al Habib, has secured 79,927 votes.
1:55am
EC suspends publication of Aslam Chowdhury's result in Chattogram-4
The Election Commission has decided to suspend the publication of the election result of BNP candidate Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury in the Chattogram-4 constituency, pending the final disposal of a case before the Appellate Division.
1:35am
BNP's Sa Ching Prue Jerry wins Bandarban seat
BNP candidate Sa Ching Prue Jerry has secured landslide victory in the Bandarban constituency, defeating his nearest rival by a massive margin of over 1.15 lakh votes.
Sa Ching bagged 1,41,455 votes, while his closest competitor, Abu Sayeed Md Suja Uddin of the National Citizen Party (NCP), polled 26,162 votes.
1:10am
Zonayed Saki wins Brahmanbaria-6
Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon and a candidate backed by the BNP-led alliance, has secured victory from the Brahmanbaria-6 (Bancharampur) constituency.
Saki secured 96,342 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Md Mohsin, received 39,967 votes.
1:00am
Babar secures landslide victory in Netrokona-4
BNP leader and former state minister for home affairs, Lutfuzzaman Babar, has secured victory in the Netrokona-4, bagging 1,60,801 votes.
His nearest competitor, Jamaat candidate Md Al-Helal, trailing far behind, polled 39,840 votes.
12:55am
BNP sweeps 18 of 19 seats in Sylhet division, Khelafat Majlis secures one
Sylhet Division witnessed a decisive victory for the BNP in the 13th national parliamentary election, with the party claiming 18 of the division's 19 seats. The 11-party alliance's Khelafat Majlis secured one seat, while Jamaat-e-Islami failed to win any.
12:20am
BNP confident of forming govt after winning two-thirds of seats: Mahdi Amin
The BNP is confident of forming the government by winning more than two-thirds of the seats in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, according to Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the party's central election management committee.
Mahdi, also an advisor to party chairman, made the remarks during a press conference at the BNP election management office in Gulshan, Dhaka.
12:10am
BNP candidate wins Munshiganj-3
BNP candidate Md Kamruzzaman Ratan has won in Munshiganj-3, securing a total of 1,48,585 votes.
His nearest rival, independent candidate Md Mohiuddin, received 1,11,227 votes.
12:05am
BNP candidate wins Naogaon-5
In Naogaon-5, BNP candidate Zahidul Islam won by receiving 1,28,366 votes, while Jamaat's ASM Sayem secured 1,03,209 votes.
11:55pm
Shafiqur wins Dhaka-15
Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has won in Dhaka-15 by securing 82,645 votes. His nearest rival, BNP candidate Md Safiqul Islam Khan, received 61,920 votes.
11:44pm
Khasru leads in Chattogram-11
BNP candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury secured 62,233 votes in Chattogram-11, while Jamaat's Mohammad Shafiul Alam received 41,493.
11:35pm
Tarique wins Bogura-6
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has secured victory in Bogura-6. According to the results from 150 polling centres, Tarique received 2,16,284 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel secured 97,626 votes.
11:20pm
Fakhrul secures Thakurgaon-1
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has secured victory in Thakurgaon-1, reports UNB.
11:15pm
Hasnat Abdullah wins Cumilla-4
In Cumilla-4, NCP candidate Hasnat Abdullah won by a margin of over 1,10,000 votes. He secured 1,60,081 votes, while his nearest rival, Gono Odhikar Parishad's Jasim Uddin received 49,845 votes.
11:05pm
BNP's Milon wins Sunamganj-5
In Sunamganj-5, BNP's Kalim Uddin Ahmad Milon has won by a large margin with 1,52,997 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat's Maulana Abdus Salam Al Madani, received 99,928 votes.
10:55pm
BNP's Asghar ahead of Jamaat's Porwar in Khulna-5
BNP candidate Mohammad Ali Asghar Lobby is leading Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar in the Khulna-5 constituency, according to preliminary results.
As of 10pm, results from 56 polling centres show that Porwar has secured 48,535 votes, while Lobby was ahead with 58,873 votes.
10:28pm
BNP candidate Anindya wins Jashore-3
BNP candidate Anindya Islam Amit has won in the Jashore-3 constituency. Anindya Islam received 1,73,023 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Md Abdul Qader, secured 1,65,129 votes.
10:20pm
BNP's Bobby Hajjaj leads in Dhaka-13
BNP candidate for the Dhaka-13 constituency, Bobby Hajjaj, has taken the lead based on results from 23 polling centres counted so far.
According to unofficial results, Bobby Hajjaj secured 13,430 votes, while his nearest rival, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque, received 13,415 votes.
10:05pm
BNP candidate, ex-mayor Ariful wins Sylhet-4
In Sylhet-4, BNP candidate and former Sylhet City Corporation mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury won by a margin of over 1,00,000 votes.
According to results from all 172 centres, Ariful Haque Chowdhury received 1,81,609 votes, while his nearest rival, Jatiya Party candidate Zainal Abedin, secured 65,776 votes.
10:00pm
BNP candidate wins Naogaon-4
In Naogaon-4, BNP candidate Ikramul Bari Tipu received 1,33,801 votes, while Jamaat's Abdur Rakib secured 96,814 votes.
9:55pm
Jamaat's Najibur wins Pabna-1
In Pabna-1, according to the unofficial results, Jamaat candidate Najibur Rahman secured 1,28,654 votes, while BNP candidate Shamsur Rahman received 1,03,658 votes.
9:40pm
BNP's Abu Sufian takes lead in Chattogram-9
BNP candidate Md Abu Sufian is leading by a wide margin in the Chattogram-9 constituency.
According to results from 53 of the 121 centres, Abu Sufian secured 50,011 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat candidate AKM Fazlul Haque received 22,347 votes.
9:30pm
BNP's Ishraque leads in Dhaka-6
In Dhaka-6, according to results from 100 polling centres, BNP candidate Ishraque Hossain secured 24,893 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat candidate Md Abdul Mannan received 16,065 votes.
9:22pm
Tarique leads by wide margin in both Dhaka-17, Bogura-6
BNP candidate and party chairman Tarique Rahman is leading in both Dhaka-17 and the Bogura-6 constituency, according to unofficial results.
As of 9pm, the BNP claims that Tarique has received 60,215 votes, while Jamaat candidate SM Khalekuzzaman trails with 24,524 votes in Dhaka-17.
In Bogura-6, according to results from 27 centres, the BNP chief received 37,465 votes, while Jamaat candidate Md Abidur Rahman secured 17,428 votes.
Counting is underway as results from the remaining centres are yet to be announced.
9:10pm
Hasnat Abdullah leads with 1,11,545 votes in 83 centres
In Cumilla-4, National Citizen Party (NCP) Candidate Hasnat Abdullah has taken a commanding lead over his nearest rival Jasim Uddin of Gono Odhikar Parishad.
According to results from 83 polling centres, Hasnat, backed by Jamaat-led 11-party alliance secured 1,11,545 votes, while his closest contender Jasim Uddin received 36,552 votes.
8:40pm
BNP's Salahuddin leads in Cox's Bazar-1
In Cox's Bazar-1, according to results from 32 centres, BNP candidate Salahuddin Ahmed received 49,525 votes, while Jamaat candidate Abdullah Al Farukh secured 19,354 votes.
8:40pm
Tarique leads in Bogura-6
In Bogura-6, according to results from 27 centres, BNP candidate Tarique Rahman received 37,465 votes, while Jamaat candidate Md Abidur Rahman secured 17,428 votes.
8:26pm
BNP's Asaduzzaman wins Jhenaidah-1
BNP candidate and former attorney general Md Asaduzzaman has won in Jhenaidah-1 constituency, securing 1,71,598 votes.
His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Matiur Rahman, received 55,577 votes.
8:10pm
Mirza Fakhrul takes lead in Thakurgaon-1
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is leading in the Thakurgaon-1 constituency. According to results from 20 out of 185 polling centres, Fakhrul secured 22,210 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Delawar Hossain, received 13,567 votes.
8:07pm
Jamaat candidate leads in Faridpur-1
In Faridpur-1, according to the results from 58 centres, Jamaat candidate Md Ilias Molla secured 47,729 votes, while BNP Khandaker Nasirul Islam received 31,937 votes.
8:05pm
BNP candidate leads in Faridpur-2
In Faridpur-2, according to the results from 45 centres, BNP candidate Shama Obaid Islam secured 47,748 votes, while Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Md Akram Ali received 31,713 votes.
8:03pm
BNP candidate leads in Faridpur-3
In Faridpur-3, according to the results from 53 centres, BNP candidate Nayab Yusuf Ahmed secured 60,696 votes, while Jamaat candidate Md Abdut Tawab received 47,046 votes.
7:55pm
BNP's Habibur secures lead over Tasnim Jara in Dhaka-9
BNP candidate Habibur Rashid Habib is leading independent candidate Tasnim Jara by 2,853 votes in four polling centres under the Madertek Abdul Aziz School and College in Dhaka-9 constituency.
According to results from the four centres, Habib secured a total of 3,482 votes, while Tasnim Jara received 629 votes. Javed Mia Rasin, the NCP candidate backed by Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, obtained 1,058 votes.
7:50pm
Shafiqur leads in Dhaka-15
Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman secured a lead over his rival BNP candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton in four polling centres under the Dhaka-15 constituency, according to announced results.
After the result of four polling centres, Jamaat ameer holds 2,641 votes while Milton holds 2,003 votes.
7:45pm
In Dhaka-8, at polling centre no 39 (Mirza Abbas Women's College), Nasiruddin Patwary leads with 523 votes, while Mirza Abbas trails with 516 votes.
At polling centre no 38 (Mirza Abbas Women's College), Mirza Abbas leads with 627 votes, while Nasiruddin Patwary trails with 528 votes.
7:30pm
Hasnat Abdullah leads in Cumilla-4
According to results from 51 centres of Cumilla-4 constituency, Hasnat Abdullah secured 67,703 votes and Jasim Uddin 21,178.
7:10pm
Faridpur district's four constituencies saw a voter turnout ranging from 53% to 66%, the office of Faridpur district Returning Officer reported.
6:55pm
The results of five Dhaka constituencies in the 13th national election and referendum will be announced shortly, said Dhaka Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Rezaul Karim.
6:45pm
BNP's Kayum secures lead over NCP chief Nahid in Dhaka-11
BNP candidate MA Kayum secured a lead over NCP chief Nahid Islam in three polling centres under the Dhaka-11 constituency, according to announced results.
6:29pm
In Dhaka-15, at Pirerbagh Victoria School, 1,119 of 2,555 registered voters had cast their ballots by 6:29pm, representing around 43.8%, according to the presiding officer.
Votes were distributed across party symbols as follows: Sheaf of Paddy 448, Scales 632, Langal 20, Kaste 2, Kolom 2, Ektara 4, Gari 2, and Projapoti 1, with 8 ballots invalidated.
6:28pm
At International Islamic School, North Paikpara (Centre 1, women) in Dhaka-14, Jamaat candidate Barrister Arman bin Kashem received 747 votes for Scales and 491 for Sheaf of Paddy out of 3,324 registered voters by 6:28pm, according to the Presiding Officer.
6:27pm
At Kallyanpur Girls School (Centre 5), Arman received 811 votes while Sanjida Islam Tuli secured 498 votes.
6:18pm
In Chattogram's 16 parliamentary constituencies, voting concluded peacefully around 4:30pm, with ballot counting beginning shortly after. By 3pm, average turnout stood at 41.75%, with Chattogram-15 (Satkania) recording the highest at 52%, and Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) and Chattogram-11 (Bandar, Patenga, Double Mooring) the lowest at 31%, according to the Returning Officer's office. Final figures may vary slightly after 4:30pm.
6:14pm
At BUET polling centre in Dhaka-8, Mirza Abbas secured 183 votes while Nasiruddin Patwary received 328 votes by 6:14pm.
6:14pm
At Ganeshpur School (Gaibandha-3, Centre 1, Kishoreganj UP), Scales received 1,977 votes and Sheaf of Paddy 913 votes.
6:13pm
At Jadabpur Government Primary School (Jhinaidah-3, Maheshpur-Kotchandpur, Centre 134), a total of 1,390 votes were cast by 6:13pm. Sheaf of Paddy secured 897 votes, Scales 467, Trak symbol 0, Hatpakha 8, with 18 invalid votes.
In the national referendum, 633 voted "Yes", 656 "No", and 101 ballots were invalidated.
5:45pm
After voting concluded in the 13th national election, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today (12 February) called upon political parties and candidates to ensure that democratic civility, tolerance and mutual respect remain intact after the final results are declared.
"Differences of opinion will exist, but in the national interest we must remain united," he added in a statement issued after the conclusion of voting.
5:44pm
In Rajshahi, Senior District Election Officer Md Motawakil Rahman said that an average of 70–72% of votes were cast across the district's six parliamentary constituencies.
5:59pm
In Lakshmipur, 60.14% of voters had cast their votes across the district's four constituencies in a largely festive and peaceful atmosphere, said District Election Officer Md Abdur Rashid around 5pm, adding that postal ballots are yet to be included.
Turnout stood at 60.64% in Lakshmipur-1, 60.65% in Lakshmipur-2, 60.65% in Lakshmipur-3, and 58.62% in Lakshmipur-4. The district has a total of 1,605,021 registered voters, including 788,366 women.
6:05pm
In Bogura, a total of 69.10% of votes were cast across 983 polling centres in seven constituencies, District Returning Officer Toufiqur Rahman confirmed in the evening, noting that postal ballots are not included in this count.
Turnout was 61.86% in Bogura-1 (Sariakandi–Sonatala), 68.55% in Bogura-2, 70.51% in Bogura-3, 73.45% in Bogura-4, 70.32% in Bogura-5, 71.15% in Bogura-6, and 67.89% in Bogura-7.
Bogura has 2,981,940 registered voters across 983 centres, of which 500 were marked as important by the administration. A total of 34 candidates from nine political parties contested in the district's seven constituencies.
5:14pm
Voting in all 16 parliamentary constituencies in Chattogram concluded in a festive and peaceful atmosphere in the 13th national parliamentary election. The process began at 7:30am and continued uninterrupted until 4:30pm, after which vote counting started at the centres.
According to the returning officer's office, voters had cast their ballots throughout the day without any major untoward incidents. Once polling ended, ballot counting began under the supervision of presiding officers in the presence of polling agents, with final results now awaited.
A total of 115 candidates contested across the 16 constituencies, where 6,682,517 voters were eligible to cast their ballots, including more than 38.83 lakh men and over 31.98 lakh women.
Compared to the 2024 general election, the number of voters increased by nearly 368,000. Around 40,000 trained officials were deployed to manage ballot boxes and election materials at the polling centres.
5:18pm
In Khulna, 61% voter turnout was recorded across six parliamentary constituencies, according to Returning Officer and District Commissioner ASM Jamshaid Khandaker.
4:30pm
As the voting for the 13th national election and the referendum ends, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman urged vigilance against irregularities.
"Since yesterday, people courageously dispelled rumours and resisted attempts and conspiracies to occupy polling stations. From early morning, people cast their votes in a festive spirit, inspired by the aspiration to uphold justice," Shafique said in a Facebook post.
4:24pm
Out of 42,651 polling centres nationwide, voting was held at 36,031 centres, with turnout reaching 47.91% by 2pm, according to the Election Commission.
4:19pm
At Eskaton Garden High School in Dhaka, which has three polling centres, 36.36% of women voters had cast their ballots by 4pm at the women's centre, with 822 out of 2,261 voters participating, according to Presiding Officer Rafiqul Islam.
At the men's centre, 933 of 2,115 voters had voted by 4pm, representing 44%, said Presiding Officer Md Mehedi Hasan.
Meanwhile, at the combined men and women's centre, 1,200 out of 2,946 voters had cast their ballots by 3:30pm, accounting for 40.07% turnout, according to Presiding Officer Imrul Yusuf.
4:18pm
In Dhaka district, overall turnout by 2pm stood at 40.9%, with 41.4% votes cast in Dhaka-1, 50.7% in Dhaka-2, 36.1% in Dhaka-3, 36.2% in Dhaka-19, and 43.4% in Dhaka-20.
4:15pm
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said the party would accept the election results if the polls are held in a free, fair and neutral manner.
"If the election is held in a free, fair, impartial manner and without controversy, then why shouldn't we accept it? We will accept it," Tarique told journalists at the Gulshan BNP chairman's office after visiting several polling centres in the capital.
4:14pm
At Government Rupnagar Model School and College in Dhaka-14 (Centre 15, male), 1,671 of 3,290 registered voters had cast their ballots by 4:00pm, representing 50.79% turnout, according to Presiding Officer Md Zahidul Huda.
4:06pm
Across five Dhaka constituencies - Dhaka-1, 2, 3, 19, and 20 - overall voter turnout reached around 40% by 2pm, according to District Commissioner Rezaul Karim, who is serving as the Returning Officer for these seats.
4:05pm
At 4pm, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed said that from 7:30am to 2pm, 47.91% of votes had been cast in 36,031 centres out of a total of 42,651 across the country.
Responding to Jamaat's claim that voting had been suspended at around a hundred centres in three constituencies, the EC secretary said there is a provision to halt voting if necessary.
"There are allegations. If those are proven… we cannot say anything without verifying the information. It would not be appropriate to make premature comments, as that could confuse people. The complaints are being examined, and the returning officers will take action accordingly," he said.
He added that, so far, there have been no major problems in the overall election situation. Referring to his visits to two polling centres, he said officials there had told him the voting flow was slow until noon, but it began to increase later.
Asked what turnout percentage he expected by the end of the day, he replied, "Whatever percentage is finally cast, that is what we expect."
3:56pm
At polling centres across Dhaka-19 (Savar-Ashulia), 36.23% of voters had cast their ballots by 2pm, according to Assistant Returning Officer and Savar Upazila Executive Officer Md Saiful Islam.
By around 3:30pm, he estimated that turnout had likely surpassed 40%.
Voting continued smoothly across all 275 centres in the constituency, which has a total of 747,070 registered voters, with no reports of violence or complaints from candidates or polling agents as of 3:45pm.
3:30pm
Meanwhile, at Affan Model School in Dhaka-15, 1,297 voters had cast their ballots by 3:20pm.
3:23pm
At City Law College in Dhaka-7 (Agamashi Lane), 1,061 of 2,354 registered voters had cast their ballots by 3pm, representing around 45% turnout, according to Presiding Officer Mizanur Rahman.
3:21pm
At Abu Taleb High School in Dhaka-16 (Centre 40, male), 1,178 of 2,627 registered voters had cast their ballots by 2pm, representing around 44.84% turnout, according to Presiding Officer Masud Rana.
3:17pm
By 2:30pm at Shaheed Abu Taleb High School (Centre 39) in Dhaka-16, 1,173 of the 2,620 male voters had cast their ballots, marking a turnout of 44.77%, according to Presiding Officer Md Monir Uzzaman.
3:06PM
A presiding officer has been withdrawn from a polling centre in Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish-Satkania) constituency after allegations surfaced that he collected advance signatures on the result sheet before voting concluded.
The incident took place around 12:30pm at North Satkania Ali Ahmed Pranhari High School, a polling centre under the constituency.
2:11pm
At Residential Model School and College in Dhaka-13 (Centre 85), 31.53% of women voters had cast their ballots by 1:30pm, with 1,046 out of 3,317 voters participating, according to Presiding Officer Enamul Haque Rakib.
At Centre 87 (for men), 847 of 2,867 voters had voted by the same time, representing around 30%, said Presiding Officer Kazi Monowar Hossain.
Meanwhile, at Centre 86 (for women), 770 out of 3,745 voters of 20.56% had exercised their franchise.
1:53pm
During voting at Talbariya High School in Mirpur upazila, Kushtia, a mobile court sentenced a man to three years in prison for attempting to leave the polling centre without placing his ballot in the designated box.
Shahin Malitha, 28, was also fined Tk1,000, with an additional 15-day jail term if the fine is not paid.
1:52pm
BNP-nominated Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas said he will not accept any "engineered" election results. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at Mirza Abbas Mohila College, he said, "It is now 12:25pm. So far the election atmosphere is calm and good. However, the voter turnout is low. It should have been more."
1:50pm
Outside his Gulshan office, BNP chief Tarique Rahman said higher voter turnout will help defeat any conspiracies, stressing that the people are the rightful owners of the country.
He expressed hope that vote counting will not be delayed and said results should be announced within the usual timeframe. He also described voter turnout in Dhaka as satisfactory.
1:33pm
At 1pm, voter turnout in Chattogram's 16 parliamentary constituencies stood at 26.3%, according to officials.
1:24pm
Voter turnout had reached 32.88% at 32,789 polling centres by 12 noon in today's (12 February) general election and July Charter referendum, according to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
Briefing reporters in front of his office at around 1pm, Akhtar said, "Voting is being conducted at a total of 42,651 centres in this election. So far, we have received voting data from 32,789 centres. This information was collected from 7:30am to 12pm."
He added that although a few isolated incidents have occurred in some places, voting has not been suspended at any centre so far.
1:13pm
By 1pm, voter turnout at Shaheed Muktijoddha Girls' High School (centre No 10, for women) in Dhaka-16 stood at 24.43%.
Out of 4,043 registered voters, 988 had cast their ballots, Presiding Officer Shariful Karim said, adding that no minor incidents have occurred so far and that voting is proceeding peacefully and smoothly.
12:54pm
At Madrasah Muhammadia Arabia (polling centre 9) in North Jatrabari, 926 votes had been cast out of 3,555 registered voters, marking 26.04% turnout by noon, according to Presiding Officer Mostafizur Rahman.
12:48pm
Improper folding of ballot papers after stamping may lead to a significant number of votes being declared invalid, according to some candidates and polling officials.
Abul Bashar Chowdhury, a Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate contesting the polls from Dhaka-12, said he has observed the problem at several polling centres in the Moghbazar area.
Md Foyez, presiding officer at the Provati Bidya Niketon polling centre under Dhaka-12, said officials are assisting voters to prevent such errors.
At the centre, 461 out of 2,555 registered male voters, or around 18%, had cast their ballots as of 11:30am.
12:41pm
By noon, voter turnout had reached 32.83%, with polling underway at 778 centres across Rajshahi's six parliamentary constituencies, according to officials.
12:38pm
The European Union's election observation mission reported strong voter enthusiasm up until noon. After visiting the Curzon Hall polling centre at Dhaka University, chief observer Ivars Ijabs said, "Up until noon today, we have seen positive enthusiasm for participation among Bangladeshi citizens."
He added that the mission will release its preliminary report on the election on Saturday.
12:37pm
Tension erupted at the Shahjahanpur Railway Government High School centre when Jamaat-backed NCP candidate Nasiruddin Patwary faced "bhua, bhua" (fake, fake) slogans from a group of people. The army quickly restored order and escorted him out safely.
Some BNP supporters alleged he had entered the centre with 100–150 outsiders, disrupting the voting environment. Patwary's immediate response to the allegations was not available.
12:23pm
Md Saiful Islam, presiding officer of the Siddheswari Boys' Higher Secondary School centre, said that by 11:30am, 700 votes had been cast.
The centre has a total of 3,441 registered voters, including 1,781 male voters and 1,660 female voters. In percentage terms, 20.34% of voters have cast their votes. Voting is being conducted in a total of six booths at this centre, according to him.
12:10pm
In the first four hours of voting, Mirpur Bangla School and College (No 64, male) under Dhaka-16 recorded a 22.9% turnout. Out of 3,492 registered voters, 800 had cast their ballots by 11:30am, according to Presiding Officer Pradip Samaddar.
11:59am
Tasnim Jara, an independent candidate contesting the polls from Dhaka-9, alleged that her polling agents are being barred from entering – or forcibly removed from – several polling stations on "fabricated" grounds.
She said that in some centres, her agents had been harassed on the pretext that they were not registered voters of the area, while in others they had been turned away due to the separation of male and female polling stations.
Tasnim said election officials had not provided any written or formal notification justifying these restrictions, calling the actions "contrary to the principles of free, fair and acceptable elections."
11:48am
The head of the Commonwealth election observer mission and former president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, expressed satisfaction at the environment of the election after visiting a polling centre in the capital.
Upon visiting polling activities at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, he said that so far, the voting environment has been very good and that he is very satisfied.
11:43am
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury exercised his voting right at 10am at the Baridhara Scholars' International School and College polling centre Dhaka.
Later, during a briefing with journalists, the adviser highlighted the media's role in ensuring free, fair and credible national elections, expressing hope that if journalists report truthfully during today's election, false rumours and propaganda can be prevented. The adviser added that apart from a few minor isolated incidents, the election has been conducted so far in a fair and festive atmosphere.
11:30am
At about 11am, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali cast his vote at the Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College polling centre.
11:28am
Former cricketer Tamim Iqbal expressed his delight after casting his vote shortly after 11am at the Regional Public Administration Centre in Chattogram city.
On his way out of the polling centre, journalists asked him several questions. Tamim said, "I have voted for the first time in my life. I feel good. The voting environment was nice." Afterwards, the army ensured he was quickly driven back home.
11:08am
At Kishori Lal Jubilee School and College in Dhaka-6, Presiding Officer Shakhawat Hossen Khan said voter turnout is increasing at the centre as the day progresse.
Out of 2,235 registered voters, 340 had cast their votes, marking a 15% turnout by 10:45am, he added.
11:02am
Habibur Rashid Habib, the BNP candidate for Dhaka-9, visited the polling centre at Khilgaon Model College at around 10:45am. Asked about allegations that Tasnim Jara's polling agents had been removed, he said, "I do not know about this matter. If it were politically motivated or related to my party, I could respond. You can ask the presiding officer.
"Allowing polling agents to enter is a matter of ethics. I do not know if it is happening due to rules and regulations. I have been moving around since morning, and I have seen their polling agents. I want all polling agents to be present so voters can cast their votes smoothly."
11:01am
At the Mirpur Bangla School and College polling centre for female voters, number 66, under Dhaka-16, long lines of voters were seen at around 10:50am.
Presiding Officer Moshiur Rahman said, "Voter turnout here is comparatively good. We are not delaying the voting process; voters are standing in line due to the high turnout."
He added, "Until 10:10am, a total of 10.66% of voters had cast their ballots. This female voter centre has 3,512 registered voters, meaning 386 voters have voted so far."
11:01am
At the Udayan Higher Secondary School polling centre on the Dhaka University campus, 11% of voters had cast their ballots by 10am.
The centre's presiding officer, Partha Protima Bhaumik, told The Business Standard that the voters at this centre are mainly former students of Dhaka University. As of 10am, 214 out of 1,952 registered voters had cast their votes.
"So far there have been no issues, and the voting is proceeding smoothly," he added.
10:56am
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus cast his vote at the Gulshan Model School and College polling centre in Dhaka at 10:25am.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, he said this election day marks "a day of liberation and a day of great joy for the nation," urging all citizens to take part in the festive polls.
10:53am
Uttara High School and College has eight polling centres. The presiding officer of centre No 8, Md Saiful Islam, told The Business Standard that the centre has a total of 2,852 voters. By 10:30am, about 15% of voters had cast their votes, he said, adding, "Voter turnout was higher in the morning." It would likely increase as the day progresses, Saiful said.
The presiding officer of centre No 9 reported 2,575 voters, with nearly 13% having voted so far.
Another centre's presiding officer, Md Sadekuzzaman, said that out of 2,350 total voters, around 320 had voted so far, which is about 14%. He also noted that voter turnout was higher in the morning.
10:20am
After casting his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls' High School at around 7:40am, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism about the country's future, saying the election will shape the direction of Bangladesh's politics and democracy.
9:58am
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman voted at the Gulshan Model High School and College after 9:30am.
Speaking to the media afterwards, he said his party is "100% optimistic" about winning. Mentioning a few "unwanted incidents" the previous night, Tarique said law enforcement had brought the situation under control.
He also urged voters to cast their ballots and thwart any conspiracy to disrupt the electoral process.
9:48am
After casting his vote at the Eskaton Garden High School centre in Dhaka, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said Bangladesh is holding the world's largest vote in 2026, adding that the election is taking place in a free, fair and peaceful environment.
He told reporters that people are voting in a festive, "Eid-like atmosphere."
Acknowledging minor disruptions outside a few centres, the CEC called them isolated incidents.
8:34am
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman cast his vote at Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College at around 8:30am.
Afterwards, he told journalists that if the election is conducted fairly, his party is willing to accept the results, whatever they are. Shafiqur said that at the same time, others must also accept the outcome.
7:30am
Voters were seen waiting in line at several polling centres with members of law enforcement keeping the security tight.
Minhaj, a 46-year-old rickshaw puller from Savar's Jamgara area, told The Business Standard that he plans to cast his vote in the afternoon, choosing to work in the capital through the morning to secure his day's earnings first.
Beyond the political stakes for major leaders such as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, today's proceedings represent a defining moment for the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
The interim administration has campaigned extensively for a "Yes or No" vote in the referendum to implement the July Charter, a reform blueprint containing 48 specific constitutional proposals.
A "Yes" victory would legally obligate the incoming parliament to carry out these reforms.
Under the provisions of the July Charter implementation order, the next parliament will also function as a constituent council to approve the reform package.
