Early Rush at Polling Booths as Bangladesh Seeks Post ‘Battle of Begums’ Era Reset

Voters across Bangladesh turned out early on election day for the 13th Parliamentary elections, forming long queues outside polling booths from as early as 6 am local time, reflecting anticipation and hope for a transparent electoral process.

Polling is being held from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break in 299 constituencies across the country, alongside a referendum-2026.

Many voters expressed optimism about the conduct of the polls and the country’s future.

“We are very excited because we haven’t been able to vote for the last 17 or 18 years. We would like to choose the appropriate candidate in this election. The atmosphere is quite pleasant. Security arrangements are good, and we can easily cast our vote,” another voter said.

How Are First-Time Voters Experiencing Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Elections?

Highlighting the strong participation, a voter remarked, “People have come in large numbers to vote.”

For first-time voters, the day brought mixed emotions. One young voter said, “On one hand, I am happy as this is the first time that I am voting, but we did not get any new candidates for this constituency. We are voting for the same people, which is a bit disappointing.”

“I am feeling amazing because this is the first time in my life I have voted, and it’s so easy because the ballots aren’t causing any issues. For voters, there will be no problem casting their votes, and the inside arrangement is such that it’s distributed across different rooms according to numbers. They have managed it quite well so far,” another voter said,

The steady turnout and orderly arrangements marked a significant day for voters eager to exercise their democratic rights.

The elections come at a time of significant change following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ongoing ban on her long-time rival Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, whose registration was suspended by the Election Commission last year, nullifying its ability to field candidates.

How Many Voters and First-Time Electors Are Participating in Bangladesh’s 13th National Election?

The contest is widely seen as a turning point as the country looks to move beyond the decades-long “Battle of Begums” era.

On the eve of the 13th national election, ballot papers and other materials were transported under tight security to polling centres across the country, The Daily Star reported.

With nearly 127 million eligible voters, the eighth most populous nation in the world heads to the polls.

Nearly half of the electorate is between the ages of 18 and 37, as per Al Jazeera, including 4.57 million first-time voters.

There are 59 registered political parties in Bangladesh, excluding the Awami League. Of these, 51 parties are participating in this year’s elections.

Who Are the Main Parties and Candidates Contesting Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Elections?

A total of 1,981 candidates are contesting, including 249 independents. The contesting parties include the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party, Jatiya Party (JP-Quader), Jatiya Party (JP-Ershad), Left Democratic Alliance and Amar Bangladesh Party, according to Al Jazeera.

With voting underway, key political leaders cast their ballots early in the day. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman voted around 8:30 am at the Manipur High School centre, The Daily Star reported.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir cast his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School centre around 7:40 am.

Shortly after casting his vote, National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam told the media that the party is on the verge of forming the government and urged people to go to polling centres and exercise their rights without fear.

“I have cast my first vote in life without any hassle. I urge everybody to cast their vote,” he said.

Corruption, inflation, employment and economic development are the main issues shaping the election.

Besides the parliamentary contest, the country is also holding a referendum on the National Charter 2025, a document drafted by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus that sets the foundation for future governance, as per Al Jazeera.

The vote count will begin at 4 pm on February 12. The Election Commission will officially announce the results in the morning of February 13 once counting is complete.

(With inputs from ANI)