The voting in 13th parliamentary election and referendum has concluded after continuing uninterrupted for nine hours, from 7:30am to 4:30pm. But those already queuing in polling centres are allowed to vote.
[live_update time=”4:30 PM” title=”Voting concludes in parliamentary polls, referendum”]
This national election is seen as a crucial test of the country’s return to democracy following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024 after a student-led uprising.
Around 127 million people voted across 42,600 polling centres across the country.
The country now waits to see which party will take the reins of the next government, and under whose leadership Bangladesh’s next chapter will unfold.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”4:12 PM” title=”19 injured in BNP-Jamaat clash in Bagerhat”]
At least 19 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Jamaat activists in Shyamnagar upazila of Bagerhat.
The incident occurred in Sonatala village of Southkhali union, near a polling centre.
Local sources said 15 of the injured were Jamaat activists, including Sabbir, Tariqul, Sobhan, Nazma and Farida, while four were BNP supporters, including Rafiqul and Siddiq.
The clash triggered tension in the area, residents said.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”4:00 PM” title=”BNP supporter gets 3yrs for ballot fraud”]
A Summary Trial Court in Sherpur has sentenced a BNP supporter to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fined him Tk5,000 for illegally stamping ballot papers, snatching ballots and rigging votes for BNP.
Senior Judicial Magistrate Md Hasan Bhuiyan delivered the verdict on Thursday afternoon.
The convict, Md Masud Mia, 35, son of late Abul Hashem of Nolbaid area under Sadar upazila, will be sent to jail, said Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station Md Sohel Rana.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”3:26 PM” title=”7 minors held for fake voting attempt in Habiganj”]
Seven minors were detained for attempting to cast fake votes at a polling centre in Baniachong upazila of Habiganj on Thursday.
The incident took place in the morning at the Bagh Hata Government Primary School polling centre.
They were immediately detained. All seven are residents of the same locality.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”3:17 PM” title=”EU observers monitor polls environment in Madaripur”]
European Union members conducted inspections of the election environment across various upazilas in Madaripur.
During their visit, the observers monitored the overall situation and engaged in discussions with presiding officers, the Election Commission, and returning officers. They also gathered information regarding various polling centres and the local electorate.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”3:00 PM” title=”Rangamati-299 candidate alleges irregularities”]
Pohel Chakma, independent candidate for Rangamati-299 constituency, has alleged that a polling centre in Baghaichari upazila has been occupied by BNP supporters.
He made the allegation while speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Jogendra Government Primary School in the upazila.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”2:54 PM” title=” BNP leader detained in Kushtia”]
Law enforcement officials detained a BNP leader for violating the electoral code of conduct by seeking votes inside a polling centre in Daulatpur of Kushtia-1 constituency.
The detainee, Amjad Hossain, is the president of the local BNP unit.
According to mobile court sources, Amjad entered the polling centre and directly asked voters for their support, which constitutes a clear violation of election rules.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”2:26 PM” title=” Three stabbed in Kishoreganj”]
Three workers of independent candidate Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal were injured in a knife attack allegedly carried out by BNP supporters near a polling centre in Bajitpur, Kishoreganj. The incident occurred near Halimpur High School polling centre.
The injured were identified as Naim Hossain, 28, his father Hasan Mia, 58, and Abdul Kaiyum, 62, residents of West Kutubpur village in Halimpur Union.
Another BNP supporter, Al Amin, 20, was also injured in the attack.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”2:23 PM” title=” Chattagram Division records 31.59% voter turnout”]
The 13th Parliamentary Election in Chattagram Division saw a 31.59% voter turnout during the first five and a half hours of polling on Thursday.
According to data provided by the office of the Chattagram Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Ziauddin at 1pm, the 16 constituencies within Chattagram district recorded a turnout of 26.30%.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”2:21 PM” title=” Voter turnout satisfactory: Ishraq”]
Ishraq Hossain, the BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-6 constituency, has described the election environment as satisfactory so far, with encouraging voter turnout.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Kamrunnesa Government Girls’ High School in Tikatuly, he said, “People in Old Dhaka tend to wake up late. I expect voter turnout to rise as the day progresses.”
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”2:18 PM” title=” BNP urges voters to vote for democratic reform”]
BNP has called on voters to secure their civic rights by participating in the “democratic journey” through voting.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”2:00 PM” title=” Voter dies at Chattogram centre”]
A 55-year-old man died after falling ill while standing in line to vote at a polling centre in Chattogram on Thursday morning.
The deceased, Monu Mia, was a resident of Batterygali in Bagmoniram, part of Chattogram-14 constituency.
The incident occurred at 7:55am at Kazi Deuri Boys’ High School polling centre.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”1:47 PM” title=” Voter turnout hits 32.88% by noon”]
Voter turnout reached 32.88 percent at 32,789 polling centres by 12pm on Thursday, the Election Commission said.
The information was disclosed by Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission, during a briefing with reporters at noon.
He said that the turnout figure was recorded at the polling stations up to midday and added that the voting process is continuing smoothly.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”1:28 PM” title=”Patwary accuses Mirza Abbas of vote rigging”]
National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency Nasiruddin Patwary, has accused BNP candidate Mirza Abbas of vote rigging.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”1:31 PM” title=”CA observes voting from control room”]
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus observed the voting scenario across the country from the control room located at Police Headquarters.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”1:28 PM” title=”3 injured in Gopalganj bomb attack”]
A 13-year-old girl and two Ansar members were injured in a “bomb attack” at Reshma International School polling station in Gopalganj.
All three victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities described their injuries as minor.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”1:00 PM” title=”Kaikobad warns against digital vote tampering”]
Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, BNP vice chairman and Cumilla-3 candidate, cast his vote at Muradnagar DR Government Pilot High School polling centre.
He also issued a cautionary note aimed at Jamaat, saying “They are experts in election engineering.”
He urged vigilance to prevent any attempts at digital manipulation during the voting process.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”12:47 PM” title=”Man jailed in Kushtia”]
A man was sentenced to three years in prison for attempting to steal a ballot paper in Kushtia voting centre.
Shahin Malitha was arrested as he pocketed a ballot paper instead of depositing it in the box at Talbaria High School polling station. He had reportedly tried to replace it with a blank sheet.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”12:30 PM” title=” Cocktails explosions reported outside Munshiganj centre”]
A series of cocktails explosions outside a polling centre in Munshiganj briefly disrupted voting at a polling centre in Munshiganj on Thursday morning.
Around 10:30am, around 12 to 15 cocktails were allegedly detonated in a field outside Makuhati Gurucharan JC High School polling station in Sadar upazila.
Witnesses said panic spread among voters and polling officials as a series of blasts went off.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”12:23 PM” title=”Festive atmosphere in Dhaka-12″]
Dhaka-12 constituency is witnessing a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere on election day, as citizens across various neighbourhoods turned out to exercise their right to vote.
A sense of celebration was palpable throughout the constituency’s alleys and streets.
At the Nazneen School and College centre, a female voter expressed her excitement, noting that she was casting her ballot for the first time since 2008. She remarked that it felt “very good” to finally exercise her rights after such a long interval.
The festive spirit extended beyond the polling booths, with elderly residents seen socialising at street corners and children playing nearby.
Candidates’ supporters set up temporary booths in front of the centres to distribute voter slips to the public.
Many families chose to visit the polling stations together. One voter, Hasan, who cast his vote after a 17-year gap, brought his young children along so they could experience the electoral atmosphere for the first time.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”12:21 PM” title=”Tati League leader detained in Ukhiya”]
Tati League leader Aminul Haque Amin, also known as Batta Amin, was detained by a joint forces team in Ukhiya.
He is accused of assaulting an elderly Jamaat-e-Islami supporter, after publicly distributing cash at a polling centre.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”12:10 PM” title=”July movement activist casts vote”]
July movement activist Zakir Sikder casts his vote at Sekandarbaug Islamia Hafizia Madrasa in Merul Badda.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”12:05 PM” title=” Akhter alleges administrative weakness”]
Akhter Hossen, National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary and candidate for the Rangpur-4 (Kaunia and Pirgachha) constituency, casts his vote.
He voted at Bhayerhat Girls High School polling centre in Tepamodhupur union, accompanied by his mother Rokeya Begum.
Speaking to journalists, Akhter raised concerns regarding the role of the local authorities during the national election.
He said, “We are noticing the weakness of the administration. False rumours have been spread against us. Various types of threats have been made. All in all, it seems to us that the administration is operating very weakly so far.”
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:59 AM” title=”Home adviser casts vote”]
Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury casts his vote at the Baridhara Scholars International School and College polling centre in Baridhara DOHS area in the capital.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:52 AM” title=”Voting delays hit Mirza Abbas Women’s College centre”]
Voters at the Mirza Abbas Women’s College centre are facing significant delays, leading to the formation of long queues.
Reports indicate that the voting process is taking much longer than expected, causing substantial wait times for those gathered at the site.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:49 AM” title=”3 presiding officers withdrawn”]
Three presiding officers have been withdrawn in Faridpur and Jhenaidah districts over allegations of irregularities, while a presiding officer was physically assaulted at a polling centre in Sylhet.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:33 AM” title=”Tamim Iqbal votes”]
Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal cast his vote in Chattagram-9 constituency.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:18 AM” title=”Clash erupts in Meherpur”]
A clash broke out between supporters of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami on their way back from voting, leaving two people injured in Meherpur.
Law enforcement later detained a BNP activist in connection with the incident took place at 11:07am.
Separate incidents of attacks and clashes at four polling centres in two constituencies of Meherpur left 16 Jamaat activists and a BNP activist injured. Police have detained one person in connection with the incident.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:16 AM” title=”Clash breaks out at a polling centre in Rajshahi-5″]
A clash broke out between supporters of BNP and an independent candidate backing the “Football” symbol in Durgapur Upazila of Rajshahi-5 constituency.
The incident occurred at 8:50am outside Noapara Government Primary School polling centre.
No serious injuries were reported. Police and army personnel arrived at the scene shortly after and brought the situation under control.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:15 AM” title=”Low voter turnout at East Bengal Institution”]
Only 222 votes were cast out of a total of 2,166 at the East Bengal Institution centre in the Dhaka-6 constituency during the first three hours of polling.
The votes were recorded between 7:30am and 10:30am.
Presiding Officer Mamun Hossain provided these figures to TIMES of Bangladesh, noting that while there was a higher volume of voters early in the morning, the pressure had since subsided.
He further observed that female voter participation has been higher compared to that of men at this particular centre.
A polling agent representing the BNP candidate said although they saw a significant presence of voters in the early morning hours, the turnout had since decreased.
However, the agent expressed expectations that the number of voters would likely increase again towards noon.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:12 AM” title=”Tasnim Jara alleges irregularities”]
Tasnim Jara, an independent candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency, has alleged that many of her polling agents were denied entry to several centres.
She said officials prevented the agents from entering on the grounds that they were not registered voters of the respective areas.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:11 AM” title=”Ducsu VP Shadik Kayem votes”]
Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Vice-President Shadik Kayem cast his vote at the Shishu Government Primary School polling centre in Khagrachhari town.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”11:10 AM” title=”BNP leader arrested in Cox’s Bazar”]
Syed Alam, president of Kachhapia Union BNP, was detained Thursday morning by an army-led joint force in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar.
He is accused of trying to steal votes and pressuring officials at a local polling centre.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:43 AM” title=”Over 100 ballots seized in Sherpur, two arrested”]
Law enforcers recovered more than 100 ballots stamped with the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol from a polling centre in Sherpur-1 (Sadar) constituency on Thursday morning. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The discovery was made around 9:30am at the South Nalbai Government Primary School polling station in Char Mocharia Union of Sherpur Sadar Upazila.
District Election Officer Jahangir Hossain said two BNP supporters allegedly collected the ballots and stamped them with the party symbol before attempting to insert them into the ballot box. The presiding officer noticed the irregularity and immediately alerted security forces.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:40 AM” title=”Asif Mahmud votes”]
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain cast his vote in Dhaka-10 constituency at the Government Laboratory High School center in the capital’s New Market area.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:39 AM” title=”Jamaat leader detained in Chuadanga”]
In Chuadanga, executive magistrate detained Sharif at a polling centre with cash. He is the president of the municipality’s Ward No-9 unit of Jamaat.
On the other hand, in Sherpur-1 (Sadar) constituency, law enforcers recovered more than one hundred ballots already stamped with the “sheaf of paddy” symbol. Two people have been detained in connection with the incident around 10:40am.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:25 AM” title=”Army Chief Waker votes”]
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has cast his vote at the Adamjee Cantonment High School and College.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:22 AM” title=”Let’s celebrate the birthday of Bangladesh: Yunus”]
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has cast his vote at Gulshan Model School and College centre in the capital.
Calling the day one of the nation’s greatest joys and a moment of liberation, Yunus said the ongoing election and referendum are a historic opportunity to build a “new Bangladesh.”
“Through the process that began today, we have completely left the past behind. At every step, we now have the chance to build a new Bangladesh.
Let’s celebrate the birthday of Bangladesh today. Let the entire nation join in the festival throughout the day,” he added.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:20 AM” title=”Zaima Rahman votes”]
Zaima Rahman, the daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, casts her vote at the Gulshan Model High School and College.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:20 AM” title=”Zubaida Rahman casts vote”]
Zubaida Rahman casts her vote at the Gulshan Model High School and College polling centre. She had arrived with her husband Tarique Rahman.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:18 AM” title=”Voters in festive mood”]
Voters after casting their votes at Adarsha High School on Thursday.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:10 AM” title=”Agents reportedly barred in Barishal-5 centre”]
Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) candidate in Barishal-5 constituency Manisha Chakraborty alleged that polling agents were prevented from entering several polling centres across the district on Thursday morning.
Manisha Chakraborty made the allegation after casting her vote at the SCGM Secondary School polling centre at around 9am.
She claimed that vested quarters had been attempting to influence polling centres since the previous night and that coordinated pressure tactics were being carried out in different areas.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:06 AM” title=”Sarjis Alam casts vote with family”]
National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate for Panchagarh-1 constituency Sarjis Alam casts his vote along with family members at Baman Kumer Rakhaldebi Hat Adarsha High School.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”10:00 AM” title=”Polling centres under tight security”]
Army and police on edge at AKM Rahmat Ullah University College in Badda.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:45 AM” title=”Tarique Rahman votes”]
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman cast votes at Gulshan Model High School and College polling centre in Dhaka-17 constituency at 9:45am.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:42 AM” title=”Chief Justice votes “]
Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury cast his vote at the Dhaka Women’s College polling centre in Dhanmondi.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:40 AM” title=”CEC casts his vote “]
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin casts his vote at Eskaton Garden High School.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:36 AM” title=”Mamunul’s polling agent removed”]
Mamunul’s polling agent removed for voter influence attempt
The polling agent of Jamaat-led alliance candidate Mamunul Haque was expelled from a polling station in Dhaka-13 after being accused of attempting to influence voters to cast their ballots for the “rickshaw” symbol.
Shawkat Hossain, the presiding officer at the Basila (Old) Government Primary School polling centre, confirmed the incident.
Voters at the centre alleged that the agent repeatedly urged them to vote for the ‘rickshaw’ symbol and moved around the polling station without authorisation.
Following the complaints, members of the army were called to the centre, and the agent was removed from the premises.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:32 AM” title=” Voting underway in Jhalakathi constituencies “]
Voting continues in Jhalakathi-1 and 2 constituencies, large crowds of voter gather at the polling centres.
According to the District Election Office, voting is underway in 237 polling centres across. There are 1,335 polling booths in these centres.
The total number of voters in the district is 593,826, which includes 301,877 men, 291,945 women, and 4 transgender (hijra) voters.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:14 AM” title=”Rumeen Farhana votes”]
Bramhanbaria-2 independent candidate Rumeen Farhana casts her vote.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:14 AM” title=”Mounted police on election duty”]
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:07 AM” title=”Adviser Faruk votes”]
Adviser Faruk-e-Azam cast his vote at the Bangladesh Mohila Samity Girls’ High School and College center in Chattogram.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”9:05 AM” title=”Voters casting votes peacefully”]
Voting is progressing peacefully in six male booths and four female booths in Dhaka-7 constituency’s Government Alia Madrasa centre.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”8:59 AM” title=”Japanese observers visit Ideal school”]
A Japanese observer team arrived at Ideal School and College polling centre in Dhaka-11 around 8:30am. They inspected 13 booths inside the school building at the centre.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”8:53 AM” title=”Dhaka-6 Jamaat candidate Mannan”]
Mannan, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate in Dhaka-6, alleged that agents were not shown ballot boxes at Banglabazar Girls’ School centre in Mirpur at 8:20am.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”8:31 AM” title=”Shafiqur votes “]
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has cast his vote at the Monipur High School and College centre in Dhaka’s Mirpur.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”8:39 AM” title=”Voting Delayed at a Chattogram polling Centre”]
The entrance of the Mirsarai Model High School polling centre in Chattogram-1 (Mirsarai) constituency opened seven minutes late on Thursday, causing a delay of at least 30 minutes in the start of voting.
Witnesses said the gate was scheduled to open at 7:30am on February 12, but it opened at 7:37am, leaving voters waiting outside.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”8:06 AM” title=”Viqarunnisa Noon School and College centre”]
At Dhaka-7 constituency’s Viqarunnisa Noon School and College centre, voter turnout has so far been low. Afreen, an Ansar member on duty, said only 10–12 voters cast their ballots as of 8:06am.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”8:07 AM” title=”BNP leader Salahuddin votes”]
Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP Standing Committee member and candidate for Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency, cast vote at Pekua Government Model GMC Institution polling centre.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”8:00 AM” title=”Jamaat candidate Fazlul Haque votes”]
In Chattogram-9 (Bakolia–Chawkbazar–Kotwali) constituency, long queues of voters are seen at several polling centres even before voting began.
Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate AKM Fazlul Haque cast his vote at Dr Khastgir Government Girls’ High School centre at 8am.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”7:50 AM” title=”Nahid Islam votes”]
NCP convener Nahid Islam cast his vote around 7:50am at AKM Rahmatullah University College polling centre in Beraid area of Badda.
Nahid is contesting the election from the Dhaka-11 constituency as the candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”7:41 AM” title=”Fakhrul casts vote”]
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir cast vote at Thakurgaon Government High School polling centre.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”7:30 AM” title=”Ideal School and College centre”]
In Dhaka-11 constituency, voting at the Ideal School and College’s Banasree branch began right on schedule at 7:30am. Outside the centre, long queues of voters formed in a festive atmosphere.
Polling agents and returning officials arrived before the scheduled time to take charge of their duties.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”7:30 AM” title=”Voting begins”]
More than 12 crore voters across Bangladesh are expected to exercise their franchise on Thursday. Voting began at 7:30am and will continue until 4:30pm.
This national election is seen as a crucial test of the country’s return to democracy following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024 after a student-led uprising.
Voters will cast ballots in the 13th parliamentary election alongside a simultaneous referendum—an exercise marked by unprecedented expenditure, sweeping security measures, and major political realignments.
Polling is being held in 299 constituencies, with 2,028 candidates representing 50 political parties and independents.
A total of 127,711,899 voters are eligible to cast ballots in 300 constituencies—64,825,154 male, 62,885,525 female and 1,220 third-gender voters. Nearly 800,000 officials are conducting polling in more than 42,600 centres, supported by another 800,000 security personnel.
Around 50,000 observers from 80 domestic organisations and nearly 500 foreign observers are monitoring the election. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis have been allowed to vote through postal ballots.
Distribution of ballot papers and other election materials was completed Wednesday, a day before the polls.
Election authorities have classified half of the country’s polling centres as “risky,” prompting what officials describe as the largest security mobilisation in Bangladesh’s electoral history. In financial and administrative terms, this vote is widely regarded as the most expensive ever conducted in the country.
The Awami League, removed from power and currently with its registration suspended, is not contesting. Eight other registered parties are also absent.
[/live_update]
[live_update time=”7:20 AM” title=”Nation goes to polls in historic democratic test”]
Nearly 127 million eligible voters across Bangladesh are casting their ballots today in an election seen as a defining moment for the country’s democratic transition. This electoral process serves as a critical assessment of the nation’s path forward following the student-led uprising in August 2024, which resulted in the removal of the long-serving leader, Sheikh Hasina.
The election has evolved into a direct contest between two primary political forces. BNP is facing a challenge from a coalition of 11 parties led by Jamaat-e-Islami. This alliance notably includes the National Citizen Party (NCP), an organisation established by the youth activists who were instrumental in the movement that toppled the previous administration.
This vote represents a significant milestone as the country attempts to solidify its return to democratic norms after the political upheaval of last August. The inclusion of new political entities like the NCP alongside established parties marks a shift in the political landscape, reflecting the influence of the student activists who spearheaded the recent uprising.
[/live_update]
