The 13th parliament election and concurrent referendum unfolded in a largely peaceful, orderly, and festive atmosphere across the city’s constituencies, with an average voter turnout of 47.88 percent — 1,779,188 ballots cast out of 3,718,661 registered voters — according to official figures released Thursday afternoon.
Voting began at 7:30am, with long queues forming outside polling centres well before the gates opened. Men and women queued separately, creating what many described as an “election festival.” Minor delays were reported at a few centres, but overall polling proceeded smoothly, without major disruptions.
Voters express hope and enthusiasm
For many voters, the day carried symbolic and personal significance.
“We came early in the morning to cast our vote. It feels like a festival,” said Mizanur Rahman, 35, from Nalua Union in Shatkania (Chattogram-15).
Elderly voter Hafeza Khatun of Gachbaria (Chattogram-14) added, “Despite physical difficulties, I came because this is my right. I hope honest and capable people will be elected.”
First-time voters across Chattogram expressed excitement at participating directly in shaping the country’s future.
Presiding Officers: ‘Voting Smooth and Peaceful’
Officials confirmed orderly polling at most centres.
“Voting is taking place smoothly and peacefully. We have not received any complaints so far,” said Mohammad Mohiuddin, presiding officer at Habibul Ulum Madrasa (Chattogram-15). He noted that each voter took roughly one and a half to two minutes to cast their ballot, with elderly voters requiring slightly more time.
Authorities credited coordinated efforts among the administration and law enforcement agencies for ensuring a disciplined and secure polling environment.
Leaders celebrate democratic milestone
Faruk-e-Azam Bir Protik, Liberation War affairs adviser to the interim government, described the election as a historic democratic milestone.
“The spontaneous participation of people and the festive atmosphere demonstrate that public confidence in democracy is stronger than ever. This election will create a new chapter in our democratic journey,” he said after voting, praising the professionalism of administration, army, and law enforcement officials.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP Standing Committee Member, said the election reflected the restoration of people’s democratic rights. “Voters are participating spontaneously, regaining ownership of the state,” he said, noting the overall voting environment appeared impartial and participatory.
AKM Fazlul Haque, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate at Chattogram-9 (Kotwali-Bakolia), said, “I voted in a beautiful environment. We want to build a Bangladesh based on justice — free from corruption and extortion. I believe voters will choose honest and competent candidates.”
Touching instances of civic commitment
In Mirsarai (Chattogram-1), Kamrul Hasan Bappi, seriously injured in a recent motorcycle accident, was carried on a hospital bed into Maliaish High School polling centre by four helpers to cast his vote. “Many told me not to go, but I couldn’t stay away. Even from the bed, I had to vote,” he said.
Meanwhile, in North Kattali (Chattogram-4), 83-year-old Sekandar Alam Chowdhury, barely able to walk, arrived at Munshipara Government Primary School leaning on his grandson’s shoulder and assisted by police to climb the stairs. “I came hoping for a fair election. For democracy, it is necessary,” he said.
The election in Chattogram’s constituencies concluded in a calm and festive environment, marked by steady voter participation, strong security arrangements, and broad political engagement — a reaffirmation of public involvement in the country’s democratic process.
