Low voter turnout observed in Gopalganj centres

While voting is taking place in a festive atmosphere across the country, comparatively low voter turnout has been observed at various polling centres in Gopalganj. A BBC report said voter turnout until morning was very low at various centres visited across the district.

There were concerns that the situation in Gopalganj might be somewhat different from the start of voting in the morning. Until 9:00 am, most centres had virtually no voter presence. At several centres, agents of candidates other than the sheaf of paddy symbol were also absent.

The BBC reported from the Dimadanga-Tungipara Government High School centre in the Gopalganj-3 constituency that although presiding officers were present at the centre before 7:00 am, voter turnout was near zero. This centre has a total of 2,540 voters, including 1,240 female voters.

The Gopalganj-3 constituency has approximately three lakh voters. Across the three constituencies of Gopalganj-1, 2 and 3, the total number of voters is around 10 lakh. Gopalganj has long been known as a stronghold of the Awami League.

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has contested and won from the Gopalganj-3 constituency multiple times, each time with a huge margin of victory. However, with the Awami League's activities suspended, the party has not been able to participate in this election. Locals believe this may have led to some reluctance among voters.

On the other hand, a strong presence and active engagement of law enforcement agencies were observed at the polling centres. Concerned authorities believe voter turnout may increase as the day progresses.