Voting has officially begun in Bangladesh’s national election. Polling is being held from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm local time. This is the first election since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and Khaleda Zia’s death.
More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in the country of nearly 170 million. A total of 1,981 candidates are in the fray for seats in Parliament across the nation. The process is being managed by an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, which has promised free, fair and peaceful elections.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will contest the elections after returning from 17 years in self-exile. Rahman, who came back to Bangladesh in December, is facing Jamaat-e-Islami candidate SM Khaliduzzaman in Dhaka-17.
EC’s Surveillance on Bangladesh Election
In adherence to Election Commission guidelines, the campaign period featured only black-and-white posters, with candidates using ropes to hang them instead of attaching them directly to walls, which is prohibited under election laws. This has given Dhaka’s streets a distinctly monochromatic appearance.
Authorities said preparations have been finalised to ensure a peaceful voting process, with results expected to be declared on Friday, February 13.
Nearly 90 per cent of polling centres in the capital are under CCTV surveillance, according to a Dhaka Tribune report citing authorities.
Nationwide, the EC has deployed nearly one million security personnel, the largest mobilisation in the country’s electoral history. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam outlined a three-layered security arrangement comprising static forces at polling stations, mobile patrols and rapid-response teams.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News