Actors, filmmakers and singers were seen at polling centres across the capital and other parts of the country since Thursday, February 12, morning, casting their votes and sharing photos and reactions on social media while encouraging citizens to perform their civic duty.
Cultural Affairs Adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki cast his vote at a centre in Gulshan, accompanied by his wife, actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha.
Sharing his reaction on Facebook, Farooki wrote, “A history in the making on a special day which we were unaware of. Today is Abrar Fahad’s birthday. And Bangladesh is experiencing a massive voter turnout amid joy and excitement.”
He added, “This election is not just going to elect a party to run the country. Besides many other things, this will be seen as a day when Bangladeshi people officially took the ownership of their country back. And that too on Abrar Fahad’s birthday. Sheer coincidence but a script must have been written in heaven.”
Veteran actor and engineer Abul Hayat voted at a centre at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College under Dhaka-8 constituency. Excluding the controversial elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024, he has voted in every national election, including this one, bringing his total to 10.
Speaking to the media, he said, “The environment of this election is good and pleasant. I want deserving candidates to win. If a genuine party runs the government, many things will improve.”
Celebrated film sisters Suchanda, Babita and Champa cast their votes at Gulshan Model High School centre around noon, drawing attention from voters present at the venue.
From Chattogram, popular director Ashfaque Nipun shared a video message urging young voters to take part. He said, “Let the youth’s first vote be in favor of a new Bangladesh.”
In the caption of the video, he wrote that he reached the centre at 7:30 am and cast his ballot at 8:10 am after waiting in line, adding that the environment was smooth and officials were sincere.
Small screen star Ziaul Faruq Apurba exercised his voting right at RAJUK Uttara Model College centre under Dhaka-18 constituency. He also shared his experience online, calling the atmosphere festive.
Popular singer Baby Naznin, a voter of Dhaka-17, cast her vote at Gulshan Model School and College around 11 am. After voting, she told journalists, “I feel very happy. Finally I was able to vote. This is what I wanted. I feel like casting all the votes of the last 17 years again.”
Meanwhile, Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan is currently abroad for the shooting of his film Prince and could not vote this time. Actress Tasnia Farin is also overseas for the same project and missed what would have been her first vote in a national election.
Many other celebrities also shared their voting moments and reflections across social media throughout the day.
