Bangladesh's voting festival today: Voters to witness true democracy after years
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh stands on the edge of a historic voting festival on today, with the 13th national parliamentary elections in complete democratic participation after prolonged political strife.
Voters across the nation, especially in Dhaka, are gearing up for what officials describe as a voting festival through high enthusiasm and robust security.
The nation prepares for its 13th National Parliament election and a pivotal referendum, the first major polls since the student-led uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
A voting festival promises over the voters a genuine taste of democracy after years of contested elections marred by allegations of suppression.
An estimated 12.77 crore registered voters, including 6.48 crore men, 6.29 crore women, and 1,220 transgender voters with will vote in the 42,766 polling stations, buoyed by youth enthusiasm and a predicted turnout exceeding 55per cent. People have already streamed out of Dhaka toward villages, aided by extended holidays, signaling a nationwide democratic awakening.
Voting kicks off at 7:30am and runs until 4:30pm across 42,761 polling centers with 244,739 booths, an extension to handle both parliamentary ballots for 300 seats.
General holidays on February 11-12, coinciding with the weekend and school closures for Shibratri, have sparked a festive rush homeward, with packed terminals at Gabtoli, Sayedabad, Kamalapur, and Sadarghat. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin urged vigilance against fake news, assuring the world of free and democratic voting.
Dhaka’s key centres like T and T High School and Dhaka University boast three-tier security with police, RAB, BGB, army patrols, CCTV at 90per cent of high-risk sites, and body-worn cameras on officers.
Intensified checkpoints across empty streets ensure zero-tolerance for disruptions at over risky locations nationwide.
A festive environment envelops the nation, with tech upgrades like postal ballots for expats and detainees, alongside drone surveillance and observer accreditation for transparency.
Officials describe daylight voting; open, orderly, inclusive and free from past shadows.
Residents express confidence in the utmost measures, from quick-response teams to armed reinforcements in hotspots like Jatrabari and Mirpur, assuring women, elders, and first-timers of secure participation.
This true democracy vibe underscores a peaceful festival where safety empowers every ballot.