Female polling agents harassed, obstructed: Tasnim Jara

Dr Tasnim Jara, independent candidate for the Dhaka-9 constituency, has alleged that her female polling agents are being harassed and obstructed at various polling centres. She made the allegations while speaking to journalists after visiting the capital's Khilgaon Model College centre on Thursday morning, February 12.

Tasnim Jara said her polling agents are being prevented from entering various centres. Claiming that agents are being denied entry under various pretexts, she stated, "Our female agents, in particular, are being treated with extreme discourtesy and harassment."

She further said, "Our only expectation is that everyone can cast their votes fairly and without hindrance."

Voting for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum is underway across the country since this morning. A total of 2,028 candidates are contesting in this election, including 1,755 from political parties and 273 independent candidates. Among the contestants, 83 are female candidates—63 from parties and 20 independents.

According to Election Commission sources, 12,77,11,893 voters across 299 constituencies will exercise their franchise today. Among the total voters, 6,48,25,361 are male, 6,28,85,200 are female, and 1,232 are third gender voters.