Dhaka, February 12: Voting has commenced for the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman, the president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), cast his vote at the Gulshan Model High School and College polling center.
He arrived at the voting center around 9:30 AM, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Jaima Rahman. After voting, Tarique addressed the media at the polling center, urging citizens to participate in the electoral process.
The BNP leader is contesting from two constituencies: Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6. Enhanced security measures have been implemented at polling stations across the capital and the country. Tarique emphasized, “The people of Bangladesh have long awaited this day. Today, their rights have been restored.”
He further mentioned receiving reports of unwanted incidents from various parts of the country on Wednesday night. He believes that a high voter turnout can thwart any potential conspiracies.
Expressing optimism for victory, Tarique stated that improving law and order would be his top priority if elected. He also highlighted that voting is the primary means for citizens to exercise their democratic power.
The BNP president expressed hope for a peaceful and fair election that reflects the people’s decision.
According to Bangladeshi media, crowds have been gathering at various polling centers in Dhaka since morning. The Election Commission confirmed that voting began at 7:30 AM and will continue until 4:30 PM.
The Awami League has been banned from participating in the elections for five years, leading to a competitive showdown between the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Voting is taking place for 299 parliamentary seats, with vote counting set to begin immediately after polls close.
On the other hand, a statement from the Awami League described the election atmosphere as one of intimidation, marked by lynching and brutal torture. They claimed that jails are filled not only with Awami League supporters but also with journalists, human rights activists, and anti-war crime campaigners who have been falsely charged with murder.
Regarding the condition of minorities after the Awami League government’s removal, the party stated, “Before this mock election, millions of minorities are on the brink of extinction. They have been granted complete impunity for murder and violence by being labeled as Awami League supporters. Women, who constitute half of the voters, are awaiting a grim future. They have been excluded from national policy-making in the name of democracy, marking a very dark period.”
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