Voting underway in 13th national election and referendum

Voting for the long-awaited 13th National Parliamentary Elections is underway on Thursday, February 12. Polling will continue uninterrupted from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Alongside the parliamentary vote, a national referendum is also being held on fundamental questions of state reform.

Although the presence of voters is comparatively low in the early morning, the voting is underway in a festive and peaceful manner.

Largest security deployment in history
The Election Commission has put in place the largest security ring in the country's history for this election. Nearly 900,000 members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies are on duty nationwide. This includes over 700,000 police and Ansar members in primary roles.

Some 103,000 army personnel are deployed. Additionally, 5,000 navy and 3,500 air force members are conducting special surveillance in 17 constituencies across five districts. BGB and Coast Guard are working to ensure a peaceful environment in border and coastal areas.

Technology-driven surveillance has been integrated into the security apparatus. Some 25,000 police officers will wear body-worn cameras at vulnerable centres to prevent malpractice and violence. Over 500 drones are conducting aerial surveillance.

Polling centres and voters
A total of 42,358 polling centres have been established nationwide. Among these, 6,750 are identified as highly sensitive and 9,120 as sensitive. Adequate police and armed forces personnel have been deployed at each centre.

Total voters in this election number 12,179,0690. This includes 6.38 crore male voters and 5.79 crore female voters. Approximately 7,000 third-gender voters are also registered. Nearly 85 lakh new voters have been added to the rolls.

Candidates and political parties
Fifty political parties are contesting this election, alongside a significant number of independent candidates. Voting is taking place in 299 seats, with polling in the Sherpur-3 constituency suspended following the death of a candidate.

Total candidates number 2,028. Among them, 1,755 are from political parties and 273 are independents. There are 83 female candidates in total—63 from parties and 20 independents. Male candidates number 1,945—1,692 from parties and 253 independents.

International observers and media coverage
Approximately 350 international observers and over 12,000 domestic observers are monitoring the electoral process. Election experts from the United Nations, Commonwealth, EU, ASEAN, and various countries are present as observers.

Nearly 5,000 journalists are covering the election, including around 250 foreign journalists.

Referendum
Alongside the national election, Bangladesh is holding its first-ever referendum today. Voters will express their opinion on a specific constitutional amendment, with the option to vote 'yes' or 'no'. The Election Commission said separate ballot papers are being used for the referendum, which is being conducted immediately after the general election.

Electoral history and challenges
While elections in Bangladesh symbolise festivity, they have also witnessed allegations of violence, clashes, and centre-grabbing. Of the 12 previous national elections, only four maintained a festive atmosphere throughout. In the remaining eight, the government, Election Commission, and law enforcement agencies faced criticism over protecting the sanctity of the vote.

Strict directives
The EC has issued directives not only for force deployment but also for stern action against any attempt to create disorder. Fire services remain on standby for control and rescue operations if situations deteriorate. Mobile courts are ready to deliver on-the-spot punishment to violators of electoral laws.

With voter numbers higher than ever before, authorities have taken enhanced preparations to ensure the security of both votes and voters. The Election Commission hopes that collective efforts will deliver an acceptable and peaceful election.

Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin said, "The Election Commission is arranging a free, impartial, and fair election. Strict accountability will be ensured in this election. With all preparations complete for the 13th national election, the commission is firmly committed to a free, fair, and participatory election."

Results announcement
The Election Commission said preliminary results will begin to be released by 10 pm tonight. Results from all constituencies will be announced in phases. The commission aims to publish the final results within the next 48 hours.