EC finally shares voter turnout, and it's 59.44%

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has formally concluded the announcement of results for the 13th parliamentary election, with voter turnout recorded at 59.44%.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah announced in a closing statement at the Election Building this morning (13 February), saying the commission's only commitment was to ensure a transparent and impartial election and that it had made its utmost efforts to achieve that goal.

Infographic: TBS

EC Sanaullah said that the spontaneous and massive participation of people in the 13th parliamentary election has proved that "we are ultimately victorious as a nation."

"It is truly a good morning in the history of Bangladesh. Welcome to a new journey for all. For this, we have impartially enacted laws and delivered a free and fair election," he said.

He expressed gratitude to local and international observers, media personnel, the administration, law enforcement agencies, and all others involved in the process. He also said the election was taken not only as a constitutional responsibility but as a "sacred trust".

Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS

The commissioner added that the election was closely linked to the nation's dignity, international image, and economic progress. He thanked citizens for taking part in the vote in a festive atmosphere and noted that the election was completed in a more peaceful environment compared to the past.

Requesting that any administrative shortcomings be viewed with forgiveness, he said the commission hopes to organise even better and more exemplary elections in the future.

Voters turned out in large numbers at polling centres across Dhaka on Thursday morning in a festive atmosphere. Photo:Mehedi Hasan/TBS

After delivering the closing remarks, he formally ended the results announcement process. 

Detailed statistics will be provided separately to the media by the commission's senior secretary, officials said.