Hindu women voters were notably active across polling centres in Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohonpur) constituency on Thursday, as voting continues in a crucial election following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government after a student-led uprising in August 2024.
From early morning, female voters were seen arriving at different centres, with Hindu women in particular exercising their voting rights spontaneously, adding vibrancy to the election atmosphere.
By 9:30am, nearly 30 percent of voters had already cast their ballots at Nawhata Girls’ High School polling centre in Paba upazila. Of the centre’s 3,806 registered female voters, a significant portion were Hindu women.
Presiding Officer Mohammad Moharram Ali Khan, also head teacher of Katakhali Girls’ High School, said voter turnout among women was satisfactory and polling was being conducted peacefully.
Renubala, 78, of Nawhata Haldar Para, expressed joy after voting. She said, “I am happy to exercise my democratic right. Even at my age, I consider voting my duty.”
Meanwhile, Rupali Rani of Nawhata Aluhata area, who voted for the first time in 17 years, said: “It feels good to vote again. I finally had the chance to express my opinion.”
Overall, polling in the constituency was peaceful and festive. The active presence of Hindu women voters was seen as a positive example of democratic participation.
Rajshahi-3, comprising Paba and Mohonpur upazilas, has a total of 423,738 voters — 210,897 men, 212,835 women, and six third-gender voters — across 131 polling centres.
