The 13th National Parliamentary Election in Rajshahi Division concluded on Thursday in a generally peaceful and festive atmosphere, despite a few isolated incidents.
According to the divisional administration, there were no major incidents of violence or unrest at the polling stations. Voters, comprising women, men, and youth, cast their ballots freely and enthusiastically.
A total of 212 candidates contested for 39 seats across the eight districts of Rajshahi Division, with three candidates withdrawing from the race. The constituency with the highest number of candidates was Sirajganj-6, which saw 11 contenders. Among the 21 independent candidates, 10 were rebel members of the BNP. Notably, 11 female candidates also participated in the election. The highest number of contested seats was in Bogura (7), while the fewest were in Joypurhat (2).
Voter turnout was reported as significant across various districts: 70.33 per cent in Rajshahi, 72.01 per cent in Natore, 72.10 per cent in Bogura, and 63.55 per cent in Sirajganj. However, voter turnout data from some districts were not available until late in the evening. In Naogaon, the turnout for the first 4.5 hours was 31.93 per cent, with Naogaon-1 reporting 33 per cent and Naogaon-6 at 28.80 per cent.
Polling began at 7:30 AM in 782 centers across six constituencies, with voters showing up early and lining up peacefully to cast their ballots. To ensure a smooth and secure process, a large deployment of law enforcement, including police, RAB, and army personnel, was stationed at polling stations and nearby areas. Mobile teams were also on standby.
While the election was largely peaceful, there were some disturbances. In Rajshahi, two young men were arrested for filming inside a polling station using a mobile phone. The incident occurred at Shirail Colony High School polling station, and the offenders, Imran Ali (26) and Mohammad Shahriar (25), were sentenced to seven days in prison by a mobile court.
In Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur), independent candidate Habiba Begum, who contested with a football symbol, was assaulted in front of a polling station. She was slapped multiple times while interacting with voters. The assailant, identified as Rajab Ali, a former BNP leader from the Horian Union, was involved in the attack. Habiba was later taken to the hospital with injuries, including hearing loss and difficulty speaking. Her election agent demanded justice for the assault.
In Sirajganj, Rubel Hossain (22) was sentenced to two years in prison for attempting to vote illegally at the Koira Fazil Degree Madrasa center in Ullapara on behalf of a migrant worker.
In Bogura-6 (Sadar), a polling booth of the Jamaat-e-Islami party was reportedly attacked and vandalized by BNP supporters at the Mahishbathan Government Primary School polling station. The incident left three Jamaat supporters injured. The situation was swiftly brought under control by the army, and investigations are ongoing.
To ensure a fair and secure election, extensive security measures were implemented, with 104,066 security personnel deployed across Rajshahi Division. This force included 10,000 army personnel, 4,123 BGB members, 13,796 range police, 2,405 RMPS, 1,006 RAB officers, and 72,736 Ansar personnel. Additionally, surveillance equipment, such as CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras, was installed at polling stations.
Mizanur Rahman Minu, the BNP’s parliamentary candidate for Rajshahi-2, expressed confidence in his party’s victory, anticipating a landslide win across all constituencies. Minu, who was elected as an MP in 2001 with the third-highest votes nationwide, said that the party expected a strong showing in this year’s election.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Jahangir, a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate from the same constituency, remained optimistic, acknowledging the tough competition ahead.
