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Parliament Secretariat ‘ready’ for oath-taking ceremony

The Parliament Secretariat says it is fully prepared to organise the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected lawmakers as soon as the gazette of results from the election is published.

A spokesperson said the ceremony would be arranged promptly once formal instructions are received.

Under Article 148(2A) of the Constitution, elected members of parliament are required to take their oath within three days of the publication of election results in the official gazette. 

Given that the speaker and deputy speaker of the last parliament are currently absent, the chief election commissioner may administer the oath under Article 148(3).

Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Moula told bdnews24.com on Friday that preparations have long been in place.

“Our preparations are, of course, ready. We began preparations quite some time ago -- this is part of our routine responsibility,” she said.

Asked when the oath-taking ceremony could be held once the gazette is issued, she clarified that fixing the date does not fall under the Secretariat’s authority.

“Determining the date of the oath is not the responsibility of the Parliament Secretariat,” she said, adding: “That decision is not ours to make. We are ready. Whenever we are instructed, we will be able to organise the oath-taking ceremony on that very day.”

7 independents are all BNP rebels

Seven BNP rebels expelled for defying party lines have swept key seats in the parliamentary polls.
In Dinajpur-5, AZM Rezwanul Haque won 114,484 votes, ahead of NCP’s Abdul Ahad (110,195). BNP nominee trailed on 98,544.
Mymensingh-1 saw Salman Omar Rubel take 108,265 votes, edging BNP’s Syed Emran Saleh Prince (101,926).
Tangail-3: Lutfor Rahman Khan Azad secured 106,794, beating BNP’s Obaidul Haque Nasir (81,734).
Kishoreganj-5: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal won 79,210 vs BNP’s 66,117.
Cumilla-7: Atikul Alam Shawan took 91,690 against BNP’s 48,509.
Brahmanbaria-2: Rumeen Farhana dominated with 117,495, defeating BNP ally 79,927.
Chandpur-4: Md Abdul Hannan clinched 74,185, outpacing BNP’s 69,155.

BNP seeks recount after narrow loss in Pabna-3

BNP’s Hasan Zafir Tuhin has demanded a full recount in Pabna-3 after losing by 3,269 votes.
Official results show Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ali Asgar winning with 147,475 votes to Tuhin’s 144,206, including postal ballots.
Tuhin alleges discrepancies in Form-16 data, unusually high rejected ballots and mismatches between centre counts and the final tally. 
He has filed a written appeal with the district administration.

Jamaat outshines BNP in Nilphamari

Jamaat-e-Islami has swept all four parliamentary seats in Nilphamari.
•    Nilphamari-1: Md Abdus Sattar - 150,824, BNP’s Maulana Manjurul Islam - 119,059
•    Nilphamari-2: Md Al Faruk Abdul Latif - 146,430, BNP’s Shahrin Islam Tuhin - 135,418
•    Nilphamari-3: Maulana Obaidullah Salafi - 109,686, BNP’s Syed Ali - 89,807
•    Nilphamari-4: Hafez Abdul Muntakim - 126,202, BNP’s Abdul Gafur Sarkar - 82,086

‘Yes’ wins referendum, turnout at 60.26 percent

The referendum on the July National Charter has passed with a resounding 68.06 percent of votes going to “Yes”.

The fourth referendum in the country’s history had a turnout of 60.26 percent.

A total of 48,074,429 (68.05 percent) votes were cast for “Yes”, while 22,565,627 votes were cast for “No”.

A total of 70,640,056 people voted in the referendum, which was held alongside the 13th parliamentary election on Thursday.

The result indicates public consent for implementing 48 points of constitutional reform included in the July National Charter.

Chattogram-2, 4, Sherpur-2 results on hold

The EC has suspended results for Chattogram-2, Chattogram-4, and Sherpur-2 until pending court cases are resolved.
It says the move ensures “legal compliance and transparency” while appeals are considered.

BNP’s Tulee alleges ‘fraud’ in Dhaka-14

BNP’s Dhaka-14 candidate Sanjida Islam Tulee has accused authorities of “major electoral fraud”, calling for results to be suspended and re-investigated.
At a Friday press briefing in Mirpur, Tulee cited ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and barring of BNP agents.
She warned the vote risked being “gravely undermined” without an impartial probe.

Islami Andolan, BNP split Barguna seats

In Barguna-1 (Barguna Sadar-Amtali-Taltali) Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate, Keorabunia Darbar's Pir Mahmudul Hossain Aliullah won 140,291, beating out his nearest rival, BNP’s Nazrul Islam Molla, who got 136,145 votes. Voter turnout in this constituency was 55.53 percent.

In the Barguna-2 (Bamna-Betagi-Patharghata) constituency, BNP Vice Chairman Nurul Islam Moni received 90,643 votes, edging out his closest competitor, Jamaat’s Sultan Ahmed, who received 85,247 votes. Voter turnout in this constituency was 58.66 percent.

Jamaat claims both seats in Meherpur

Jamaat-e-Islami has captured both parliamentary seats in Meherpur, outpacing BNP contenders.
Meherpur-1 (Sadar-Mujibnagar) – Tajuddin Khan (Jamaat) 122,829 | Masud Arun (BNP) 104,224
Meherpur-2 (Gangni) – Nazmul Huda (Jamaat) 94,168 | Amjad Hossain (BNP) 85,689

BNP routed in Kurigram, Jamaat and NCP dominate

The BNP has failed to secure a single seat in Kurigram’s four parliamentary constituencies, official tallies show.
Jamaat-e-Islami has clinched three seats:
•    Kurigram-1: Anwarul Islam – 134,648 votes (BNP’s Saifur Rahman Rana – 117,356)
•    Kurigram-3: Mahbubul Alam Salehi – 105,194 votes (BNP’s Tasbhirul Islam – 78,403)
•    Kurigram-4: Mostafizur Rahman – 106,447 votes (BNP’s Azizur Rahman – 83,762)
The NCP-backed candidate Atiqur Rahman Mujahid won Kurigram-2 with 173,329 votes, narrowly beating BNP’s Sohel Hossain Kaykobad (163,799).

Jamaat unhappy with results process

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami says it is not satisfied with the vote-counting process in the Feb 12 polls.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page at 8:15am on Friday, the party thanked supporters who had voted for it but raised concerns about how results were handled.

"However, we are not satisfied with the process surrounding the election results,” the post read.

“From candidates of the 11-party alliance narrowly and suspiciously losing in various constituencies, to repeated inconsistencies and fabrications in unofficial result announcements, the Election Commission’s reluctance to publish voter turnout percentages, and indications that a section of the administration leaned towards a major party- all of this undoubtedly raises serious questions about the integrity of the results process.”

Jamaat also indicated that the 11-party alliance would soon announce a programme to address the matter.

“Therefore, we urge everyone to remain patient and await the official programme of the 11-party alliance. Our struggle for justice in pursuit of a humane Bangladesh will continue, Insha’Allah."

BNP rules Narayanganj tally

BNP – 4 seats: Mustafizur Rahman (Narayanganj-1), Nazrul Islam Azad (Narayanganj-2), Azharul Islam Mannan (Narayanganj-3), Abul Kalam (Narayanganj-5)
NCP – 1 seat: Abdullah Al Amin (Narayanganj-4)
Total constituencies: 5
Voter turnout: Over 55%

Tasnim Jara comes 3rd in Dhaka-9

Tasnim Jara, who left the National Citizen Party (NCP) to run as an independent candidate and kicked off a storm of discussion and debate, has come third in the Dhaka-9 parliamentary race.
According to the returning officer of the constituency, Jara received 44,684 votes. She was surpassed by Mohamamd Javed Mia, the NCP candidate backed by the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, who received 53,460 votes for the lotus bud symbol.
The winner of the seat is Habibur Rashid Habib, who carried the day with 1,11,212 votes.

BNP gets 8 seats in Cumilla, NCP wins one

In the Cumilla-1 constituency, comprising the Daudkandi and Meghna Upazilas, BNP National Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain won with 141,440 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Moniruzzaman, received 94,845 votes.

BNP’s Selim Bhuiyan has been elected to the Cumilla-2 seat (Homna and Titas), with 77,037 votes. His nearest rival, BNP rebel candidate Abdul Matin, contesting with the lock symbol, secured 63,045 votes.

Cumilla-3, comprising Muradnagar Upazila, chose BNP’s Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) with 159,291 votes. His closest rival, Yusuf Sohel, received 109,599 votes.

In Cumilla-4 (Debidwar), 11-party alliance candidate and July Uprising frontliner Hasnat Abdullah won with 166,583 votes. His nearest rival, Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Jasim Uddin, contesting with the truck symbol, secured 49,885 votes.

BNP candidate Jasim Uddin was elected in Cumilla-5, comprising the Brahmanpara and Burichang Upazilas, with 134,485 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat’s Mobarak Hossain, received 124,547 votes.

In Cumilla-6 (Cumilla Adarsha Sadar, City Corporation, Sadar South Upazila and Cumilla Cantonment), BNP candidate Monirul Haque Chowdhury won with 201,706 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat’s Kazi Din Mohammad, secured 119,851 votes.

BNP rebel candidate Atikul Alam Shawon bagged the Cumilla-7 (Chandina) seat, with 91,690 votes. His nearest rival, Redowan Ahmed, received 48,509 votes.

In Cumilla-8 (Barura Upazila), BNP’s Zakaria Taher, contesting with the paddy sheaf symbol, has been elected with 169,178 votes. His nearest rival, Shafiqul Alam Helal got 45,091 votes.

BNP’s Abul Kalam won the Cumilla-9 constituency comprising Laksam and Monohargonj Upazilas with 170,008 votes. His nearest rival, Syed AKM Sarwar Uddin Siddiqui, bagged 118,961 votes.

In Cumilla-10 (Nangalkot and Lalmai), BNP’s Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan was elected with 163,667 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat’s Muhammad Yasin Arafat, received 123,733 votes.

Jamaat Nayeb-e-Amir Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher is leading with 133,308 votes in Cumilla-11, comprising the Chauddagram Upazila. His nearest rival, BNP’s Kamrul Huda, secured 76,638 votes. Voting at three centres in the constituency has been suspended.

BNP will do better in next election, says Nazrul

Nazrul Islam Khan, chairman of the election management committee of the BNP, has voiced hope that the party will secure better results in future polls than it did Thursday’s election.

The BNP National Standing Committee member said the party had contested 292 seats with the expectation of victory.

“We nominated candidates in 292 constituencies. Naturally, we believed they would all win,” he said. 

“Every candidate enters an election hoping to win -- even those who ultimately receive only 2/4/500 votes.”

“Allah willing, our results will definitely be better in the next election,” he added.

Pressed on whether the BNP was satisfied with the outcome, Nazrul struck a measured tone.

“Who can ever be 100 percent satisfied with anything? That is very difficult,” he said. “But we are fairly satisfied.”

Turnout confirmed at 59.44%

Final voter turnout in Thursday’s parliamentary election and referendum stood at 59.44 percent, the Election Commission said.
There were 127.7 million registered voters, with 2,028 candidates from 50 parties and independents contesting 299 seats.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin described the vote as one of the country’s “best and most acceptable”, saying the commission had delivered a transparent and credible process.
Results began arriving at the EC headquarters around 10pm on Thursday. By midday Friday, outcomes for 297 of 299 seats had been declared.

Pakistan president, PM congratulate Tarique, BNP

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated the BNP on its “landslide victory” in Thursday’s general election.

“President Asif Ali Zardari felicitates Tarique Rahman on BNP’s landslide victory and congratulates the people of Bangladesh on their successful, peaceful polls,” the official X account of the president wrote at 8:43am on Friday.

“Pakistan reaffirms strong support for democratic partnership and shared progress ahead.”

🇵🇰🇧🇩 President Asif Ali Zardari felicitates Tarique Rahman on BNP’s landslide victory and congratulates the people of Bangladesh on their successful, peaceful polls. Pakistan reaffirms strong support for democratic partnership and shared progress ahead. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 13, 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared a tweet from his official account soon afterwards, stating:

“I extend my warmest felicitations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections.”

“I look forward to working closely with the new Bangladesh leadership to further strengthen our historic, brotherly multifaceted bilateral relations and advance our shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond.”

I extend my warmest felicitations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections.

I look forward to working closely with the…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 13, 2026

Modi congratulates Tarique on 'decisive victory'

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on his party’s win in Thursday's polls.

In a post on X on Friday, Modi described the result as a “decisive victory” and said it reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people in Tarique's leadership.

“I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh,” he wrote.

“This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.”

Modi said India would “continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh” and expressed his intention to work closely with the incoming leadership.

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” he said.

I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.

India will continue to stand in support of a democratic,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026

BNP aces Gazipur polls, Jamaat grabs lone seat

The BNP has flexed its dominance in Gazipur, taking four of five seats while Jamaat-e-Islami snagged a solitary win. 

Mojibur Rahman (BNP) stormed Gazipur-1 with 208,688 votes, beating Shah Alam Bakshi (Jamaat) at 149,553. 

Gazipur-2 went to M Manjurul Karim Roni (BNP) with 188,606, outpacing Ali Nasir Khan (Jamaat) at 140,950.

BNP’s SM Rafiqul Islam Bachchu locked in Gazipur-3 with 162,343 votes, beating Khelafat Majlis’s Md Ehsanul Hoque at 101,539.

Jamaat’s Salahuddin Ayubi snatched Gazipur-4 (Kapasia) with 101,779 votes. 

BNP’s AKM Fazlul Haque Milon won out in Gazipur-5 with 133,869 votes, leaving Khairul Hasan (Jamaat) trailing at 78,123.
“Yes” vote cruises to victory in five-constituency referendum.

BNP wins big, sets course for governance

The BNP is poised to form the next government after securing an outright majority in Thursday’s parliamentary elections.
Official results confirmed at 10:23am on Friday show the party has won 151 of the 299 contested seats.
Its long-time ally Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged as the main opposition force, winning 42 seats.
Smaller parties aligned with the BNP, including the BJP and Ganosamhati Andolon, secured one seat each.
Within the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, the National Citizen Party won three seats, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis two, and Khelafat Majlis one.
Independent candidates prevailed in four constituencies.
Full results from 94 seats are still pending, though BNP candidates are leading in several of them.
Alongside the parliamentary vote, citizens also took part in a referendum on constitutional reforms, where the “Yes” vote is expected to pass comfortably.

All four seats in Moulvibazar go to BNP

In the Moulvibazar-1 constituency, comprising Juri and Barlekha Upazilas, BNP candidate Nasiruddin Ahmed has won with 98,277 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Aminul Islam, secured 78,214 votes.

BNP’s Shaukatul Islam Shaku, contesting with the paddy sheaf symbol, has been elected to the Moulvibazar-2 seat with 66,707 votes. His closest rival, Shahed Ali, who contested with the Jamaat’s weighing scales symbol, received 50,598 votes.

In Moulvibazar-3, BNP’s M Nasir Rahman won with 154,545 votes. His nearest rival, Abdul Mannan, secured 74,362 votes.

BNP candidate Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury won the Moulvibazar-4 seat with 168,958 votes. His nearest rival from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, contesting with the rickshaw symbol, received 49,389 votes.

BNP takes Gopalganj, Hasina’s home turf

The BNP has won all three parliamentary seats in Sheikh Hasina’s stronghold of Gopalganj.

Gopalganj-1: Selimuzzaman Molla (BNP) got 68,867 votes, defeating Gono Odhikar Parishad's Md Kabir Mia with 53,961.

Gopalganj-2: KM Babar (BNP) received 40,048 votes, beating BNP rebel MH Khan Manju with 33,039.

Gopalganj-3: SM Zilani (BNP) got 60,166 votes, ahead of independent candidate Gobinda Chandra Pramanik with 33,867.

US embassy congratulates Tarique on ‘historic victory’

The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a statement congratulating the BNP and its party chief Tarique Rahman for their “historic victory” in Thursday’s general election.

“Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory,” it wrote on its official Facebook page. “The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries.”

Paddy sheaf secures five seats in Naogaon

The BNP has won five of Naogaon’s six parliamentary seats.

Paddy sheaf candidate Mostafizur Rahman took the Naogaon-1 seat, winning against Jamaat’s Mahbubul Alam with 149,202 votes against 126,093.

Jamaat’s Enamul Haque emerged victorious in the Naogaon-2 race, beating BNP’s Shasuzzoha Khan Zoha by 141,526 votes to 134,294.

BNP’s Fazle Huda won Naogaon-3 with 165,646 votes by a comfortable margin against Jamaat’s Mahfuzur Rahman, who got 117,838.

Ekramul Bari Tipu, paddy sheaf candidate for Naogaon-4, defeated Jamaat’s Abdur Rakib by 133,801 votes to 96,814.

Finally, the BNP’s Jahidul Islam Dhalu took the Naogaon-5 race with 128,366 votes. His closest rival was Jamaat’s Abu Sadat Md Sayem, who got 103,236.

BNP’s Ibrahim bags Bhola-2

BNP’s Hafiz Ibrahim has been elected from the Bhola-2 constituency, comprising the Daulatkhan and Borhanuddin Upazilas.

He secured 65,246 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat’s Mohammad Fazlul Karim, received 61,549 votes.

BNP wins four Khulna seats, Jamaat takes two

Results have been released for the six parliamentary seats in Khulna. 
BNP's Amir Ezaz Khan won in Khulna-1, Jamaat's Sheikh Jahangir Hussain Helal won Khulna-2, BNP's Rakibul Islam Bakul won Khulna-3, BNP’s SK Azizul Bari Helal won Khulna-4, BNP's Mohammad Ali Asghar Lobbi won in Khulna-5 (Phultala, Dumuria and Gilatala Cantonment areas) and Jamaat's Abul Kalam Azad won in Khulna-6.
Returning Officers ASM Jamshed Khandaker and Faisal Quader announced the results early on Friday morning.
Khulna-1: BNP's Ezaz received 121,352 votes under the paddy sheaf symbol. His closest rival, Jamaat's Krishna Nandi received 70,346 votes. Of 307,103 voters in the constituency 210,899 cast their votes.
Khulna-2: Jamaat Metropolitan Secretary Jahangir takes the seat with 93,789 votes for the weighing scales symbol. His nearest rival, Nazrul Islam Manju of BNP, got 88,197 votes for the paddy sheaf. There are a total of 335,243 voters in the constituency and 158 polling centres.
Khulna-3: BNP central leader Bakul has edged out Jamaat rival Md Mahfuzur Rahman, winning by 74,845 votes to 66,010. There are a total of 254,409 voters in this constituency and 152,245 cast ballots at 116 centres.
Khulna-4: BNP Central Information Secretary Helal received 123,162 votes to beat his nearest rival, Sakhawat Hossain of Khelafat Andolan, who received 109,530 votes under the wall clock symbol. The margin was 13,632 votes.
Khulna-5: BNP's Lobby has eked out a win over Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. Lobby received 148,854 votes for the paddy sheaf, while Porwar received 146,246 votes for the weighing scale. Shamim Ara Parvin received 1,319 votes for the plough symbol, and Chittaranjan Goldar received 1,790 votes for the sickle symbol.
Khulna-6: Jamaat's Azad took the seat with 150,724 votes for the scale symbol, defeating BNP's SM Monirul Islam Bappi, who got 124,710 votes.

Krishna Nandi loses Khulna-1 seat

BNP candidate Amir Ezaz Khan has won the Khulna-1 seat, beating out his Jamaat-e-Islami rival Krishna Nandi. Ezaz received 121,352 votes, with Nandi receiving 70,346.

Nandi is the president of the Hindu wing of Jamaat’s Dumuria Upazila committee. His nomination by the Islamist party to contest the constituency that consists of Dumuria, Dakop, and Batiaghata sparked widespread discussion in the political sphere, the Hindu community, and across the country.

Jahangir secures Dhaka‑18

BNP candidate SM Jahangir has won the Dhaka‑18 constituency, covering Uttara, Turag, Khilkhet, Dakshinkhan, Uttar Khan and the airport area, by a margin of 33,000 votes.

Jahangir received 144,715 votes, while his closest rival from the National Citizen Party secured 111,297.

The seat had drawn attention after Nagorik Oikko leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna withdrew from the race four days before polling.

Jamaat’s Arman claims Dhaka-14 seat

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman has clinched the Dhaka-14 seat, securing 101,113 votes. His closest competitor --BNP’s Sanjida Islam Tulee -- took 83,323 votes, while BNP rebel Syed Abu Bakar Siddique Saju finished third with 16,328 votes.

‘Sheaf of paddy’ takes five Noakhali seats, Hannan Masud takes one

BNP candidates have won five of Noakhali’s six constituencies, while NCP’s Abdul Hannan Masud has won one.

In Noakhali-1, BNP candidate Mahbub Uddin Khokon won with 126,833 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Saif Ullah received 98,036 votes.

In Noakhali-2, BNP candidate Zainul Abedin Farroque secured victory with 83,982 votes. His closest competitor NCP’s Sultan Muhammed Zakaria received 67,054 votes.

In Noakhali-3, BNP candidate Md Barkat Ullah Bulu won with 141,031 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Borhan Uddin, who received 123,941 votes.

In Noakhali-4, BNP candidate Md Shahjahan won with 219,182 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat’s Ishaque Khondaker received 148,989 votes.

Ishraque takes Dhaka-6 seat for BNP

BNP’s Ishraque Hossain has clinched Dhaka-6 in a clear-cut win, finishing nearly 23,000 votes ahead of his closest rival.
He secured 78,850 votes with the sheaf of paddy symbol, while Abdul Mannan of the weighing scale symbol polled 55,697.
Turnout in the Old Dhaka constituency stood at 47.69 percent.

BNP sweeps all five Dhaka seats outside the capital

All five BNP-nominated candidates have won the five constituencies in Dhaka district.

In Dhaka-1, Khondaker Abu Ashfaque was elected with 173,781 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Nazrul Islam received 112,622 votes.

In Dhaka-2, BNP candidate Aman Ullah Aman won with 163,793 votes. His closest competitor Jamaat’s Colonel (Retd) Muhammad Abdul Hoque bagged 80,053 votes.

BNP candidate Goyeshwar Chandra Roy won the Dhaka-3 seat with 98,785 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat’s Md Shahinur Islam received 82,232 votes.

In Dhaka-19, BNP candidate Dewan Mohammod Salahuddin secured victory with 190,976 votes. His closest competitor NCP’s Dilshana Parul received 125,283 votes.

In Dhaka-20, BNP’s Tamiz Uddin was elected with 162,504 votes. His nearest rival NCP candidate Nabila Tasnim received 57,787 votes.

BNP triumphs in Mymensingh

The BNP and its “rebel” candidates have secured major victories across several Mymensingh seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami also picked up one constituency.

Mymensingh-1: Independent (BNP rebel) Salman Omar Rubel wins with 108,265 votes, defeating BNP’s Syed Emran Saleh Prince, who received 101,926 votes.

Mymensingh-4: BNP candidate Md Abu Wahab Akanda Wahid wins unofficially with 177,891 votes, ahead of Jamaat’s Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, who got 169,580 votes.

Mymensingh-5: BNP’s Zakir Hossain Bablu secures victory with 127,917 votes, defeating Jamaat leader Matiur Rahman Akanda, who received 1,876 votes.

Mymensingh-6: Jamaat candidate Kamrul Hasan Milon wins with 75,946 votes, ahead of independent candidate Akhtar Sultana, who received 52,669 votes.

Mymensingh-9: BNP’s Yaser Khan Chowdhury wins with 85,473 votes, defeating Bangladesh Development Party’s AKM Anwarul Islam, who received 70,152 votes.

Mymensingh-10: BNP candidate Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman wins unofficially with 74,638 votes, ahead of independent candidate Abu Bakar Siddiqur Rahman, who received 66,424 votes.

BNP wins both Rajbari seats

BNP candidates have won both parliamentary seats in Rajbari.

In Rajbari-1, BNP’s Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam was elected with 154,541 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat’s Md Nurul Islam, secured 101,092 votes.

In Rajbari-2, BNP candidate Md Harun-or-Rashid won with 237,254 votes. His nearest competitor, NCP’s Jamil Hijazi, received 67,299 votes.

Jamaat, BNP split Pabna seats 3–2

Jamaat-e-Islami candidates have clinched three seats in Pabna districts, while BNP has won two.

In Pabna-1, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nazibur Rahman Momen won with 129,974 votes. His nearest rival BNP candidate Shamsur Rahman received 104,245 votes.

BNP candidate AKM Selim Reza Habib claimed the Pabna-2 constituency with 215,406 votes, while his closest rival Jamaat’s KM Hesab Uddin received 77,242 votes.

In Pabna-3, Jamaat candidate Ali Asgar won with 147,475 votes. His nearest rival Krishak Dal President Hasan Zafir Tuhin received 144,206 votes.

Jamaat’s Abu Taleb Mondol won the Pabna-4 constituency with 137,675 votes, while his nearest competitor BNP’s Habibur Rahman Habib got 133,874 votes.

In Pabna-5, BNP candidate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas won with 181,925 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat candidate received 164,994 votes.

Bobby Hajjaj wins Dhaka-13 by 2,320 votes

BNP candidate Bobby Hajjaj has won in Dhaka-13.

Hajjaj secured 88,387 votes in the constituency, while his nearest rival, Khelafat Majlis chief Mamunul Haque, received 86,067 votes.

Hajjaj won the seat by a margin of 2,320 votes.

Rajshahi: BNP takes four, Jamaat two

In Rajshahi’s six constituencies, BNP candidates claimed victory in four seats, while Jamaat sealed two.

• Rajshahi-1: Jamaat’s Mujibur Rahman won with 171,786 votes, narrowly defeating BNP’s Sharif Uddin, who polled 169,902 votes.
• Rajshahi-2: BNP’s Mizanur Rahman Minu prevailed with 125,647 votes, beating Jamaat’s Mohammad Jahangir, who received 97,466 votes.
• Rajshahi-3: BNP’s Shafiqul Haque Milon secured 176,468 votes, surpassing Jamaat’s Abul Kalam Azad, who garnered 136,565 votes.
• Rajshahi-4: Jamaat’s Abdul Bari Sardar claimed victory with 118,248 votes, ahead of BNP’s DMD Ziaur Rahman, who received 109,759 votes.
• Rajshahi-5: BNP’s Nazrul Islam Mondal won with 123,612 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Monjur Rahman, who polled 55,873 votes.
• Rajshahi-6: BNP’s Abu Sayeed Chand emerged victorious with 148,672 votes, while Jamaat’s Nazmul Haq took 92,965 votes.

BNP strengthened its position across the region, while Jamaat maintained a foothold in two constituencies.

BNP sweeps all three Feni seats

BNP candidates have won all parliamentary seats in Feni.

In Feni-1, BNP’s Rafiqul Alam Maznu secured victory with 119,904 votes. His nearest rival, SM Kamal Uddin of Jamaat-e-Islami, received 85,615 votes.

In Feni-2, Joynal Abedin won 131,210 votes. His closest competitor, Mujibur Rahman Manju of the AB Party, obtained 80,058 votes.

In Feni-3, BNP candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo emerged victorious with 157,425 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat’s Fakhruddin Manik, received 108,160 votes.

Jamaat alleges vote counting conspiracy, warns of action

Jamaat-e-Islami has accused election authorities of deliberately delaying vote counting as part of a “conspiracy”, warning that it could launch a tougher political movement in response.

A Jamaat delegation visited the Election Commission (EC) in the early hours of Friday as counting continued into the night.

Speaking to reporters around 4am, the party’s Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair alleged that results were being manipulated “to favour a certain party”.

“Vote counting began at 5pm, and it is now 4am” he said. We are noticing abnormal delays in announcing results in some cases.”

He said they expected the results to be announced between 8pm and 9pm.

He did not name the party he claimed was being favoured.

Mirza Abbas wins Dhaka-8

BNP leader Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed has been elected from the Dhaka-8 constituency, riding on 56,552 votes.

His nearest rival, NCP candidate Nasiruddin Patwary, finished a close second with 51,572 votes.

The contest remained tight throughout the count, with Abbas ultimately prevailing by a margin of just under 5,000 votes.

Jamaat, NCP seal all 6 seats in Rangpur

The Jatiya Party has failed to win a single seat in Rangpur, a region traditionally known as its stronghold.

The party’s Chairman GM Quader finished third in the Rangpur-3 constituency. 

Of the six seats in Rangpur, Jamaat-e-Islami secured five, while Akhter Hossen of the NCP claimed the remaining one. 

The BNP also failed to win any seats in the district, though their candidates finished as runners-up in all six constituencies by narrow margins.

Jamaat sweeps all four Nilphamari seats

Jamaat-e-Islami candidates have won all the four constituencies in Nilphamari district.

In Nilphamari-1, Jamaat’s Abdus Sattar won with 150,824 votes, with his nearest rival Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam candidate Monzurul Islam bagging 119,059 votes.

In Nilphamari-2, Jamaat candidate Al Faruk Abdul Latif has been declared the winner with 146,430 votes. His closest competitor BNP candidate Shahrin Islam Chowdhury bagged 135418 votes. 

In Nilphamari-3, Jamaat candidate Obaidullah Salafi won with 109,686 votes. His closest competitor BNP candidate Syed Ali received 89,807 votes.

In Nilphamari-4, Jamaat candidate Abdul Muntakim was elected with 126,222 votes. His nearest rival BNP candidate Md Abdul Gafur Sarkar received 82,086 votes.

Tarique wins Dhaka-17

BNP chief Tarique Rahman has secured Dhaka-17, narrowly defeating Jamaat’s SM Khaliduzzaman.

Tarique polled 72,699 votes against Khaliduzzaman’s 68,300, a margin of about 4,000.

Shafiqur wins Dhaka‑15 seat

Jamaat‑e‑Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has won the Dhaka‑15 constituency with a margin of 22,000 votes,

He bagged 85,131 votes while his nearest rival, BNP’s Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, secured 63,517 votes.

Sayedee’s younger son wins, elder son loses

In Pirojpur-1, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Masood Sayedee, the younger son of Delwar Hossain Sayeedee, who died in jail while serving a life sentence for 1971 war crimes, won the seat with 132,659 votes, defeating BNP candidate Alamgir Hossain, who received 107,105 votes.

In Pirojpur-2, BNP candidate Ahmad Sohel Manjur has been declared the winner with 105,185 votes. His nearest competitor Shameem Sayedee, the elder son of Delwar Hossain Sayeedee, received 96,897 votes.

In Pirojpur-3, BNP candidate Md Ruhul Amin Dulal won with 63,791 votes. His closest rival NCP candidate Md Shamim Hamide received 36,616 votes.

BNP claims Jamalpur-3, Jamalpur-5

In Jamalpur-3, BNP’s Mustafizur Rahman Babul won decisively, securing 207,412 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Mujibur Rahaman Azadi, received 81,430 votes.

In Jamalpur-5, BNP candidate Shah Md Wares Ali Mamun claimed victory with 199,344 votes. His nearest competitor, Jamaat’s Md Abdus Sattar, garnered 113,201 votes.

Mamunul visits EC over ‘fake votes’

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Mamunul Haque of Dhaka-13 visited the EC headquarters in Agargaon around midnight to lodge complaints over alleged fake votes and delays in announcing results.

He claimed that at least 50 polling centres in his constituency, around 1,200 votes were “wrongly invalidated”, and if all centres were considered, the total could exceed 3,500 votes.

“My winning margin was roughly 2,200 votes. Fake votes were cast in my constituency, and several votes were invalidated, which allowed my rival to secure victory by a narrow margin,” Mamunul said.

He described the situation as a “major grievance”, emphasising that these irregularities undermined the fairness of the election in his constituency.

NCP alleges vote result ‘manipulation’ via media

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has alleged a conspiracy to manipulate election results through sections of the media, accusing rival actors of tampering with vote counts in several constituencies.

Addressing a late-night press conference at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain claimed that efforts were under way to “engineer results” where certain BNP-backed candidates were falling behind.

Referring to Dhaka-8, he alleged a plot to declare Mirza Abbas the winner by counting what he described as “faulty votes” in favour of the BNP. 

He demanded a fresh recount under the direct supervision of the EC for the seat.

“When they realised BNP candidates were losing in some constituencies, we clearly saw attempts to tamper with results to defeat candidates from the 11-party alliance,” Asif Mahmud said.

Sarjis loses as BNP clean sweeps Panchagarh

BNP candidates have secured victories in both constituencies in Panchagarh, defeating rivals from the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami, including Mohammad Sarjis Alam.

In Panchagarh-1, BNP’s Muhammad Nawshad Zamir won with 176,169 votes. His closest rival Sarjis -- chief organiser of the NCP’s north unit and the 11-party alliance candidate -- polled 168,049 votes.

In Panchagarh-2, BNP’s Forhad Hossain Azad was declared unofficially elected after securing 174,650 votes. His nearest challenger, Mohammad Safiul Alam of Jamaat-e-Islami received 128,862 votes.

Rumeen Farhana landslides Brahmanbaria-2

Independent candidate Rumeen Farhana has registered a resounding win in the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency.

The BNP “rebel” candidate secured 118,547 votes, comfortably defeating her nearest rival, Zunaid Al Habib, joint vice-president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh and the BNP-led alliance candidate, who polled 80,434 votes.

Hanzala wins by 385 votes

After a fiercely contested race in Madaripur-1, which comprises Shibchar Upazila, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Sayeed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala won by a narrow margin of 385 votes.

He secured 64,909 votes, while his closest rival, BNP’s Nadira Akhter, polled 64,524 votes.

This is the only seat in Madaripur district won by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. BNP won the remaining two constituencies.

In Madaripur-2 (made up of Rajoir Upazila and part of Madaripur Sadar), BNP candidate Jahandar Ali Mia was elected with 61,744 votes. His nearest rival, independent candidate Milton Baidya, received 46,476 votes.

In Madaripur-3 (covering Kalkini, Dasar and part of Madaripur Sadar), BNP’s Anisur Rahman Talukder won with 97,202 votes, defeating Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Rafiqul Islam Mridha, who secured 87,331 votes.

BNP takes all 4 Habiganj seats

The BNP has secured a comprehensive victory in Habiganj, winning all four parliamentary seats in the district.

The official results were announced by the District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arafin.

In Habiganj-1, Reza Kibria of the BNP was elected with 111,073 votes. 

His nearest challenger, Sirajul Islam of the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish received 55,245 votes.

In Habiganj-2, BNP’s Abu Mansur Sakhawat Hasan secured victory with 125,971 votes. 

He defeated Amir Abdul Basit Azad of Khelafat Majlish, who garnered 64,851 votes.

In Habiganj-3, BNP candidate GK Gaus won the seat with 141,521 votes. 

His closest rival, Kazi Mohsin Ahmed, secretary of the district Jamaat-e-Islami and candidate for the 11-party alliance, polled 44,581 votes.

In Habiganj-4, BNP’s SM Faisal claimed victory with a significant 186,674 votes. He faced Bangladesh Islami Front candidate Gias Uddin Taheri, who received 83,896 votes.

Madaripur: BNP 2 seats, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis 1

In Madaripur district, results across the three constituencies have produced a split outcome, with the BNP winning two seats and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, led by Mamunul Haque, securing one.

In Madaripur-1 (Shibchar), Saeed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala of the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis won with 64,909 votes, edging past BNP candidate Nadira Akter, who narrowly missed victory with 64,524 votes after a tightly fought contest.

In Madaripur-2 (Rajoir and part of Sadar), the BNP’s Jahandar Ali Mia emerged victorious with 61,744 votes, defeating independent candidate Milton Baidya, who polled 46,476.

The BNP also claimed Madaripur-3 (Kalkini, Dasar and part of Sadar), where Anisur Rahman Talukder won with 97,202 votes, ahead of Rafiqul Islam Mridha of Jamaat, who secured 87,331.

Jamaat claims 3-1 win over BNP in Jhenaidah

In Jhenaidah, Jamaat-e-Islami candidates won three of the four constituencies, with the BNP claiming only one seat. 

BNP candidate Rashed Khan was defeated in Jhenaidah-4.

In Jhenaidah-1 (Shailkupa), BNP candidate Md Asaduzzaman emerged victorious.

In Jhenaidah-2 (Sadar–Harinakundu), Jamaat’s Ali Azam Md Abu Bakar won with 195,702 votes, defeating BNP’s Abdul Majid, who received 175,984 votes.

In Jhenaidah-3 (Kotchanpur–Maheshpur), Jamaat candidate Md Matiar Rahman secured victory with 175,857 votes, ahead of BNP’s Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, who polled 145,821.

Jamaat also won Jhenaidah-4 (Kaliganj and part of Sadar), where Md Abu Taleb received 105,999 votes. 

His nearest rival, BNP “rebel” candidate Saiful Islam Firoz, secured 77,104 votes. 

The official BNP nominee in the constituency was Md Rashed Khan, who had resigned as general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad to contest in the election.

BNP wins Jamalpur-4

BNP candidate Faridul Kabir Talukder has won the Jamalpur-4 seat with 147,406 votes.

His nearest rival Mohammad Abdul Awal received 44,947 votes.

BNP takes all three Munshiganj seats

BNP has secured victory across all three Munshiganj seats.

In Munshiganj-1, BNP candidate Sheikh Md Abdullah won with 165,714 votes. His closest competitor Jamaat-e-Islami’s AKM Fakhruddin Razi received 98,192 votes.

BNP Central Committee Joint Secretary Abdus Salam Azad won the race for the Munshiganj-2 seat with 119,836 votes. His nearest rival NCP’s Majedul Islam received 56,750 votes.

In Munshiganj-3, BNP Central Committee Social Welfare Secretary Md Kamruzzaman won with 124,691 votes. His closest rival Md Mohiuddin received 88,936 votes.

BNP sweeps all 5 Sunamganj seats

BNP candidates have secured landslide victories in all five parliamentary seats of Sunamganj.

In Sunamganj-1, BNP’s Kamruzzaman Kamrul won with 161,774 votes. His nearest rival, Tofayel Ahmed Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami, received 92,966 votes.

In Sunamganj-2, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury won 99,522 votes.  His closest contender, Jamaat’s Shishir Manir, secured 63,220 votes.

BNP candidate Koysor M Ahmed was declared winner in Sunamganj-3, receiving 97,313 votes. His nearest rival, BNP rebel candidate Anwar Hossain, got 42,226 votes.

In Sunamganj-4, BNP’s Nurul Islam Nurul was elected with 98,092 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat’s Shams Uddin, received 75,735 votes.

Sunamganj-5 was won by district BNP president Kalim Uddin Ahmed Milon, who secured 151,915 votes. He was followed by Jamaat’s Abdus Salam Al Madani, who received 121,21 votes.

BNP wins Khagrachhari seat

In Khagrachhari, BNP candidate Wadud Bhuiyan has been declared the winner, securing 151,040 votes. 

His nearest rival, independent candidate Dharma Jyoti Chakma, polled 68,315 votes.

BNP clinches all seven Bogura seats

BNP candidates have claimed the three remaining seats in Bogura, securing all seven constituencies in the northern district.

Kazi Rafiqul Islam has won the Bogura-1 (Sariakandi–Sonatala) seat with 169,861 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Shahab Uddin received 56,933 votes.

In Bogura-3 (Dupchanchia–Adamdighi), BNP’s Abdul Mohit Talukder secured victory with 127,406 votes. His nearest competitor Jamaat’s Noor Mohammad received 111,026 votes.

In Bogura-5 (Sherpur–Dhunot), BNP’s Golam Mohammad Siraj won the seat with 248,841 votes, defeating Jamaat candidate Dabibur Rahman, who received 143,329 votes.

BNP seals treble in Sylhet stronghold

In Sylhet-2, BNP candidate Tahsina Rushdir Luna has been unofficially declared the winner with 116,697 votes, defeating her nearest rival Muntasir Ali of the 11-party alliance, who secured 37,446 votes.

In Sylhet-3, Mohammad Abdul Malik of BNP won with 114,255 votes, while his closest challenger, Musleh Uddin Raju of the 11-party alliance, received 73,614 votes.

In Sylhet-6, BNP candidate Imran Ahmed Chowdhury emerged victorious with 108,612 votes. His nearest rival, Mohammad Selim Uddin of Jamaat-e-Islami, polled 97,748 votes.

All three results are unofficial.

Delay in results of Dhaka constituencies

Partial results by returning officers from Dhaka constituencies show BNP leading in several seats, while counts are still ongoing in others.

• Dhaka-1: BNP’s Khondaker Abu Ashfaque wins with 172,402 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Md Nazrul Islam, who received 88,910 votes.

• Dhaka-2: BNP candidate Amanullah Aman wins with 163,793 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Abdul Haque, who received 80,053 votes.

• Dhaka-4: Early counts show Jamaat’s Syed Zainul Abedin leading with 2,343 votes, ahead of BNP’s Tanvir Ahmed, who has 2,296 votes (4 of 116 centres).

• Dhaka-6: BNP’s Ishraque Hossain leads with 17,020 votes, ahead of Abdul Mannan, who received 10,935 votes (22 of 101 centres).

• Dhaka-7: Independent candidate Enayat Ullah leads with 9,621 votes, ahead of BNP’s Hamidur Rahman, who has 9,397 votes (16 of 165 centres).

• Dhaka-8: BNP’s Mirza Abbas leads with 16,790 votes, ahead of NCP’s Nasiruddin Patwary, who received 15,470 votes (33 of 109 centres).

• Dhaka-9: BNP’s Habibur Rashid leads with 5,959 votes, ahead of independent candidate Tasnim Jara, who has 2,517 votes (11 of 170 centres).

• Dhaka-11: Partial results show NCP’s Nahid Islam leading with 16,857 votes, ahead of BNP’s MA Quayum, who has 15,400 votes (32 of 163 centres counted).

• Dhaka-16: Partial results show BNP’s Aminul Haque with 16,175 votes, narrowly ahead of Jamaat’s Abdul Baten, who has 15,516 votes (29 of 138 centres).

• Dhaka-17: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman are contesting, but official results have not yet been announced.

• Dhaka-18: BNP’s SM Jahangir Hossain leads with 20,836 votes, ahead of NCP’s Ariful Islam, who received 14,889 votes (34 of 219 centres).

BNP sweeps all five Narsingdi seats

BNP candidates have won all five constituencies in Narsingdi.

BNP’s Narsingdi district President Khairul Kabir Khokon won the race for the Narsingdi-1 (Sadar), seat with 160,676 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Md Ibrahim Bhuiyan received 92,930 votes.

In Narsingdi-2 (Palash), BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan won the seat with 92,352 votes. His closest competitor Jamaat’s Md Amjad Hossain secured 55,168 votes.

In Narsingdi-3 (Shibpur), district BNP General Secretary Manzur Elahi was elected with 81,415 votes. Independent candidate Ariful Islam Mridha received 45,401 votes.

In Narsingdi-4 (Monohardi–Belabo), district BNP Vice-President Sarder Sakhawat Hossain won with 161,912 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat’s Jahangir Alam secured 76,445 votes.

In Narsingdi-05 (Raipura), BNP candidate Ashraf Uddin won with 135,512 votes. His closest competitor Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Tajul Islam received 43,682 votes.

BNP wins two seats in Gopalganj

BNP has won two of the three seats in Gopalganj, while its candidate is also leading in the remaining constituency.

• Gopalganj-3 (Kotalipara–Tungipara): BNP candidate SM Jilani won with 60,166 votes, defeating independent candidate Gobinda Pramanik, who received 33,867 votes.

• Gopalganj-2 (Sadar and part of Kashiani): BNP candidate KM Babar secured victory with 40,048 votes, ahead of independent candidate MH Khan Monju, who received 33,039 votes.

• Gopalganj-1 (Muksudpur and part of Kashiani): Results from 42 of the 138 centres show BNP candidate Selimuzzaman Selim in the lead with 23,767 votes, while Jamaat’s Abdul Hamid Mollah has received 12,108 votes.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis takes Mymensingh-2

In Mymensingh-2, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Muhammadullah has been unofficially declared the winner, securing 144,265 votes.

His nearest rival BNP’s Motahar Hossain Talukdar received 117,344 votes.

Manikganj-2: BNP’s Moinul wins

BNP candidate Moinul Islam Khan has secured victory in Manikganj-2 (Singair, Harirampur, Sadar), winning 175,776 votes. 

His nearest rival, Khelafat Majlis’s Md Salah Uddin, received 81,531 votes, while independent candidate SM Abdul Mannan garnered 7,081 votes.

Fakhrul leads BNP sweep in Thakurgaon

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spearheads the party’s clean sweep of all three parliamentary seats in Thakurgaon, securing a commanding win in Thakurgaon-1 and victories in the remaining two constituencies.

• Thakurgaon-1: Fakhrul wins 234,144 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Delawar Hossain with 137,281 votes.
• Thakurgaon-2: BNP’s Abdus Salam claims 121,017 votes, ahead of Jamaat’s Abdul Hakim (115,707 votes).
• Thakurgaon-3: Zahidur Rahman Zahid wins 132,876 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Mizanur Rahman (90,767 votes).

Fakhrul’s victory underscores BNP’s stronghold in the district.

Jamaat’s Porwar defeated in Khulna-5

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has lost in the Khulna-5 constituency.

BNP candidate Mohammad Ali Asghar won the seat with 147,658 votes. Porwar secured 144,956 votes.

BNP’s Abdul Moyeen seals Narsingdi-2 seat

BNP candidate Abdul Moyeen Khan has won the Narsingdi-2 seat.

He received 92,352 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Amjad Hosen, who secured 55,168 votes.

BNP takes Sunamganj-3

BNP candidate Koysor M Ahmed has won the Sunamganj-3 seat with 97,313 votes.

His nearest rival, BNP's “rebel” candidate Anwar Hossain, received 42,226 votes, while Jamaat-e-Islami allied candidate of Khelafat Majlis Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury came third.

BNP claims Lakshmipur-1 seat

BNP candidate Shahadat Hossain Salim has won the Lakshmipur-1 seat.

He secured 85,457 votes, defeating his nearest rival, 11-party alliance candidate Mahbub Alam, who received 56,437 votes.

Jamalpur-2 goes to BNP’s Sultan Mahmud Babu

BNP candidate AE Sultan Mahmud Babu has won the Jamalpur-2 seat.

He received 95,860 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Shamimul Haque, who received 61,655 votes.

BNP’s Sa Ching Prue Jerry seals Bandarban seat

BNP candidate Sa Ching Prue Jerry has been elected in Bandarban.

He secured 141,455 votes, while his closest rival, NCP’s Abu Sayed Md Sujauddin, received 26,162 votes.

Sherpur-2: Fahim wins for BNP

BNP candidate Fahim Chowdhury has claimed victory in Sherpur-2, covering Nakla and Nalitabari Upazilas.

Fahim secured 117,441 votes, while his nearest rival, a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, received 105,782 votes.

The win adds another seat to BNP’s tally in the district.

3 more Bogura seats go to BNP, Manna loses

BNP candidates have claimed victory in three Bogura constituencies. 

In Bogura-2 (Shibganj), Mir Shah Alam won with 145,137 votes, beating Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of the Nagorik Oikko.

In Bogura-4 (Kahalu-Nandigram), Mosharrf Hossain secured 154,614 votes to take the seat, while in Bogura-7 (Shajahanpur-Gabtali), Morshed Milton emerged victorious with 262,501 votes.

These wins further consolidate BNP’s hold in the district, marking a setback for rival parties in the region.

BNP’s Sardar Sarfuddin triumphs in Barishal-2

In Barishal-2, BNP candidate Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed has won, securing 140,085 votes. 

His nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdul Mannan received 72,171 votes.

BNP’s MA Hannan claims Brahmanbaria-1

In Brahmanbaria-1 (Nasirnagar), BNP candidate MA Hannan has emerged victorious, securing 67,783 votes. 

His closest rival, independent candidate Md Kamruzzaman Mamun, received 35,121 votes.

BNP’s Abul Kalam Azad seals Tangail-7 seat

In Tangail-7 (Mirzapur), BNP candidate Abul Kalam Azad Siddique has secured a breezy win, leading by 70,000 votes across all 126 polling centres. 

He received 141,253 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdullah Ebne Abul Hosen garnered 71,040 votes.

NCP rushes briefing over ‘rigging’

The NCP has called an urgent press conference at 1:30am, claiming “clear manipulation” in the election results. 

The briefing will be held at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, with spokesperson and electioneering chief Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, along with secretary Monira Sharmin, set to address the media.

Jamaat’s Mahbubul Salehi takes Kurigram-3

Mahbubul Alam Salehi of the Jamaat-e-Islami has secured victory in Kurigram-3 (Ulipur) with 105,194 votes. 

His nearest rival, the BNP’s Tasvirul Islam, received 78,403 votes.

Zonayed Saki wins Brahmanbaria-6 race

Zonayed Saki of the Ganosamhati Andolon, contesting under the BNP-led alliance, has won Brahmanbaria-6 (Bancharampur) with 98,231 votes. 

His nearest rival Md Mohsin received 37,965 votes.

Salahuddin claims Cox’s Bazar-1

BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmad has won Cox’s Bazar-1, covering Chakaria and Pekua Upazilas, with 220,566 votes. 

His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdullah Al Faruk, received 124,726 votes.

Dhaka-2: Aman wins big

BNP’s Amanullah Aman has emerged victorious in Dhaka-2, winning by a commanding margin. 

He secured 163,793 votes, comfortably ahead of his nearest competitor Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdul Haque, who garnered 80,053 votes.

BNP’s Nitai Roy wins Magura-2

In Magura-2, BNP candidate Nitai Roy Chowdhury has been declared the winner with 150,180 votes.

His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mushtarshed Billah, secured 117,807 votes.

BNP’s Manzur Elahi takes Narsingdi-3

In Narsingdi-3, BNP’s Manzur Elahi has been unofficially declared the winner with 81,415 votes.

His nearest rival, independent candidate Ariful Islam Mridha received 45,401 votes.

Result is withheld intentionally: Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that returning officers in several constituencies are withholding results instead of announcing them, though he declined to go into details.

He made the remarks at a press conference at the Jamaat office around 11:45pm on Thursday, accompanied by leaders of the 11-party alliance.

He said, “In several constituencies, as far as we know, we are leading. Counting has also been completed. But the returning officers are not announcing the results. They are keeping them pending -- we do not understand why. 

“In between, results were posted on the website and then removed. A short while ago, they released 10 to 12 results from the very initial stage.

“From the booth-level return sheets we have received, we have seen that we are leading. But locally, various tactics are being applied to this.”

BNP’s Abu Ashfaq wins Dhaka-1

BNP candidate Khondaker Abu Ashfaque has claimed victory in Dhaka-1, securing 172,402 votes.

His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Nazrul Islam, received 108,910 votes.

Tarique sweeps Bogura-6 contest

BNP chief Tarique Rahman has won the Bogura-6 seat by a wide margin, securing 216,284 votes.

His nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel, received 97,626 votes.

NCP alleges rigging in Dhaka‑8

The NCP warns of vote manipulation in Dhaka‑8, claiming results are being engineered for Mirza Abbas. 

Candidate Nasiruddin Patwary protests alleged changes in six centres. 

At 10:42pm he urged supporters on Facebook to guard polling stations. 

Party Convenor Nahid Islam echoed the call, asking all to gather in Dhaka‑8 to defend voting rights.

BNP narrowly clinches Dinajpur-3

BNP candidate Syed Jahangir Alam has won the Dinajpur-3 seat, securing 140,608 votes.

His closest challenger, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Mainul Alam, received 136,239 votes, leaving a margin of just over 4,000 votes.

BNP wins Noakhali-5 seat

BNP candidate Mohammad Fakhrul Islam has won the Noakhali-5 constituency, securing 145,876 votes.

His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mohammad Belayet Hossain, polled 114,610 votes.

Jamaat’s Mostafizur bests brother in Kurigram-4

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Mostafizur Rahman has won the Kurigram-4 seat, defeating his own brother in the contest.

In the constituency, which includes Chilmari, Roumari and Rajibpur, he secured 78,943 votes. His brother, BNP candidate Azizur Rahman, received 57,945 votes.

Vow to reflect people's aspirations: Fakhrul

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has pledged to implement the party’s election manifesto if the BNP forms the next government.

Speaking to journalists at his Thakurgaon residence around 10pm on Thursday, he said: "We are leading. God willing, we will secure a majority."

The BNP secretary general added, "We are ahead, though the final results are yet to arrive.

“If given the opportunity, we will endeavour to reflect the aspirations of the people."

Mirza Abbas’s wife visits returning officer to tackle vote rigging allegations

Mirza Abbas’s wife Afroza Abbas went to the Dhaka divisional returning officer’s office to respond to NCP’s Nasiruddin Patwary’s allegations of vote rigging at six polling centres in the Dhaka-8 constituency.

Earlier, around 8:30pm on Thursday, Patwary went to meet Dhaka Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury with the complaint.

Afroza arrived at the office around 10:45pm, after Patwary left.

An employee at the office told bdnews24.com that she came to respond to Patwary’s allegations.

Magura-1 goes to BNP

BNP candidate Monowar Hossain has taken the Magura-1 seat. The paddy sheaf candidate received 184,183 votes for a comfortable win in the Sadar Upazila and Sreepur constituency.

Abdul Matin, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate who came second, received 83,783 votes.

BNP takes Dinajpur-4

BNP candidate Akhteruzzaman Mia clinched the Dinajpur-4 seat with 166,717 votes, ahead of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Aftab Uddin Molla, who received 129,056.

Paddy sheaf romps to victory in Moulvibazar-4

BNP candidate Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury has won in a landslide in the Moulvibazar-4 race. The paddy sheaf candidate secured 169,608 votes, far outstripping his closest competitor, Khelafat Majlis’s Noor-e-Alam Hamidi, who got 49,189.

The margin of victory was over 120,000 votes.

BNP clinches Lalmonirhat-2

Md Rokon Uddin Babul of the paddy sheaf has emerged victorious in Lalmonirhat-2. He received 123,343 votes, edging ahead of Jamaat-e-Islami rival Md Firoz Haider, who got 116,236.

Partho wins Bhola-1

Andaleeve Rahman Partho, chairman of the BJP and a BNP-backed candidate, has won the Bhola-1 seat with 104,462 votes.

His nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Nazrul Islam, secured 73,773 votes.

Jamaat wins Nilphamari-2

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Al Faruk Abdul Latif has won the Nilphamari-2 seat with 145,102 votes.

His closest challenger, BNP’s Shaharin Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, polled 134,579, giving Latif a margin of 10,523 votes.

Paddy sheaf ahead in Khagrachhari

With 114 of 203 polling centres in the Khagrachhari parliamentary seat reporting in, BNP candidate Wadud Bhuiyan has taken the lead. The paddy sheaf has chalked up 81,767 votes in the constituency so far.

His closest rival is independent candidate Dharmajyoti Chakma, contesting with the horse symbol, who has 44,499 votes.

BNP takes 4 of Mymensingh’s 11 seats

BNP candidates have won four out of 11 seats in Mymensingh.

The victorious candidates are Md Mahbubur Rahman Liton from Mymensingh-7, Lutfullahel Mazed from Mymensingh-8, Iqbal Hossain from Mymensingh-3 and Fakhr Uddin Ahmed from Mymensingh-11.

Mahabubur bagged 98,579 votes. His nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami’s Asaduzzaman received 82,962.

Lutfullahel won with 107,577 votes, compared to his closest competitor LDP’s Aurangzeb Belal with 45,791 votes.

Iqbal won with 74,478 votes, with a close contender, independent Ahmed Tayebur Rahman, getting 65,513.

Fakhr Uddin received 110,214 votes, while his nearest rival Mohammed Morshed Alam got 65,591 votes.

Babar on verge of victory

With all but one of Netrokona-4’s 150 polling centres reporting in, the BNP’s Lutfozzaman Babar has surged in front, taking 158,167 votes. His closest competitor, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Al-Helal has 39,343 votes.

Jamaat ahead in early Jashore-1 count

Results from 74 of 102 centres in Jashore-1 (Sharsha) show Jamaat-e-Islami’s Azizur Rahman ahead with 83,874 votes.

BNP candidate Nuruzzaman Liton has 67,813 votes. Jatiya Party’s Jahangir Alam Chanchal has 941, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Bakhtiar Rahman has 1,256.

BNP wins Munshiganj-2

BNP’s Abdus Salam has won the Munshiganj-2 seat, securing 119,836 votes.

NCP candidate Majedul Islam finished second with 56,750 votes.

Vote count will take time but no scope for irregularities: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin says that though it will take time to compile and release the election results, particularly due to the referendum vote and postal ballots, there is no scope for “manipulation” or “irregularities” in the process.

He described Thursday’s election as one of the best, most acceptable, and most festive polls in Bangladesh’s history.

"As it promised the people, the Election Commission has been able to deliver an impartial, transparent, and credible election," Nasir said. 

The CEC stated clearly: "No unofficial or unverified results will be accepted by the Election Commission. Only results signed by the returning officers and officially received will be published."

The EC does not believe in any secrecy and is committed to presenting the election process and results to the people of the country through the media in a completely transparent manner, he said.

"This election will be considered more acceptable and credible by any standard compared to the controversial elections of the past," he claimed.

BNP takes Lalmonirhat-3

BNP candidate Asadul Habib Dulu has won the Lalmonirhat-3 (Sadar) seat.

Across all 94 centres, he secured 138,691 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abu Taher, received 55,671 votes.

Nur leads in Patuakhali-3

Results from 80 of 124 centres in Patuakhali-3 show Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Nurul Haque Nur ahead with 73,934 votes.

Independent candidate Hasan Mamun has so far bagged 47,930 votes.

BNP leads 3 Dhaka races, Nahid ahead in Dhaka-11

Early counts have been announced for the Dhaka-7, 9, 11 and 18 races.

In Dhaka-7, results from 6 of 165 centres show the BNP’s Hamidur Rahman leading with 3,841 votes, marginally ahead of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Md Enayet Ullah with 3,841 votes.

In Dhaka-9, the BNP’s Habibur Rashid is ahead with 5,959 votes from 11 of 170 centres. NCP’s Mohammad Javed Mia has 2,517, and independent Tasnim Jara 2,366.

In Dhaka-11, NCP leader Md Nahid Islam leads with 8,969 votes after ballots from 16 of 163 centres were counted, ahead of the BNP’s MA Qaiyum on 7,391.

In Dhaka-18, the BNP’s SM Jahangir Hossain has 4,309 votes from 18 of 191 centres, while NCP’s Ariful Islam has 3,369.

Brahmanbaria-2: Rumeen Farhana leads

Independent candidate Rumeen Farhana is leading the race for the Brahmanbaria-2 seat with 34,460 votes from 45 of 152 centres.

Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam’s Junaid Al Habib trails her with 23,226 votes.

BNP ahead in early Bandarban results

Results from 90 of 186 centres in Bandarban show BNP candidate Saching Prue ahead with 60,794 votes.

NCP candidate Abu Sayeed Md Suja Uddin has so far secured 10,274 votes.

Chattogram-9: BNP leads after results from 76 centres

BNP candidate Mohammad Abu Sufian is leading the race for the Chattogram-9 seat after 76 of 121 centres submitted their results.

The paddy sheaf candidate has bagged 66,477 votes so far, compared to his nearest rival -- Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dr AKM Fazlul Haque -- who has 31,330.

Fakhrul storms ahead

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir surges to 152,313 votes from 123 of 185 centres in Thakurgaon-1.

Jamaat’s Delawar Hosen trails with 89,493, while Islami Andolon’s Khademul Islam picks up 2,653.

The constituency has 511,631 registered voters, with Fakhrul firmly in command.

Kushtia partial results

Kushtia-1: BNP 128,968 vs Jamaat 63,160 — clear lead
Kushtia-2: Jamaat 86,607 vs BNP 63,345 — Jamaat ahead
Kushtia-3: Jamaat 63,488 vs BNP 41,998 — strong lead
Kushtia-4: Jamaat 48,855 vs BNP 48,353 — neck-and-neck

Polling day chase in Gazipur, 4 jailed

Four activists have been jailed for two years after a back-and-forth chase erupted outside a polling centre in Gazipur-4.
The confrontation between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters broke out on Thursday afternoon near Bhawal Chandpur High School in Kapasia. 
Army and BGB personnel moved in, detaining four men at the scene.
A mobile court later handed each a two-year sentence and a Tk 10,000 fine, with an additional one month in default.

Jamaat will accept results if vote trend holds: Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said the party will accept the election results if the overall trend reflected in the voting is maintained in the final outcome.

He made the remarks at a press conference at his main election office in the Dhaka-15 constituency at 7pm on Thursday after voting ended.

‘Vote rigging’: Counting suspended at 3 centres in Cumilla-11

The EC has suspended vote counting at three centres in Cumilla-11 over allegations of vote rigging.

Chauddagram Upazila administrator Md Nurul Amin confirmed the matter on Thursday evening.

The three suspended centres are Gunabati High School, Alkara Government Primary School, and Bakgram Government Primary School.

Cumilla-11 has a total of 415,616 registered voters.

The main contenders in the constituency are BNP’s Kamrul Huda and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Syed Abdullah Taher.

Patwary: result tampered with at six Dhaka-8 centres

NCP candidate Nasiruddin Patwary has brought allegations of altered results at six polling centres in the Dhaka-8 constituency.

He met Dhaka Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury around 7:45pm on Thursday with the complaints.

The irregularities were reportedly taking place at Siddheswari Boys’ High School, Motijheel Ideal School and College, Eskaton Boys’ High School, Paltan Family Planning Centre, Mahbub Ali Institute and Mirza Abbas Mohila College.

More than a million postal ballots enter count

Around 1.07 million postal ballots are being counted after the votes wrapped up, election officials said.

On Thursday night, Salim Ahmad Khan, leader of the EC’s Out of Country Voting (OCV) system project, said a total of 1,073,497 postal ballots, cast both at home and abroad, have been included in the count.

The EC said, while additional ballots have reached its offices, only those received within the stipulated timeframe are being counted.

Earlier, the commission said in a notice that 498,205 postal ballots had been received.

Data from the postal ballot app shows that 544,380 expatriate voters cast their votes, of whom 538,370 returned their ballots through post offices or mailboxes in their countries of residence.

Thakurgaon-1: Fakhrul leads with 45,895 votes

In Thakurgaon-1, results from 41 of 185 polling centres show BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir securing 45,895 votes.
Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Delawar Hosen trails with 29,207 votes, while Khademul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh has 835 votes.
The constituency has a total of 511,631 registered voters.

Child drowns as mother goes to vote in Chuadanga

A child has drowned in Chuadanga’s Alamdanga Upazila as his mother was at the polling centre to cast her ballot. 

The family says the mother left her twin sons – three-year olds Hasan and Hussein -- at the home of her father before heading out to vote. 

After returning from the polling centre, she found Hussein but could not find Hasan and grew worried. The boy was later found floating in a pond next to the house. 

He was rushed to the Alamdanga Upazila Health Complex with the help of locals, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.

An unnatural death case has been filed over the incident.

Scattered clashes in Lakshmipur, 12 hurt

Voting in Lakshmipur has ended amid scattered clashes and back-and-forth chases, leaving at least 12 people -- including women -- injured.

Trouble flared at several centres, including Bijoynagar High School, Poura Shahid Smriti Academy, Adilpur Government Primary School and Baralia in Dattapara.

Hasnat rival boycotts election during vote count

Jasim Uddin, the BNP-backed Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate in the Cumilla-4 constituency, has boycotted the election, alleging irregularities and vote manipulation. 

One of his main rivals in the constituency is NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah. 

He made the announcement in a Facebook Live stream at 5pm on Thursday, while vote counting was still underway.

“Ballots were snatched at centres, party workers were assaulted. Many were expelled after being beaten, and threats were issued,” he said.

“After taking the overall situation into consideration, I am compelled to boycott the election.”

EC thanks citizens for ‘festival-like’ polls

The EC has thanked voters, political parties, candidates, law enforcers, officials, observers, media and voters for helping make the election and referendum “peaceful, fair and festive”.
In a post-poll statement, the commission also called for special prayers across mosques and other places of worship on Friday for Bangladesh’s peace, prosperity, and progress.

Sharp drop in afternoon turnout in Ctg

Voter turnout in Chattogram’s polling centres was strong during the morning and around noon, but numbers fell noticeably after 1pm.

Visits to polling centres across the city and surrounding constituencies found the centres nearly empty around 2:30pm on Thursday.

The Election Commission (EC) reported a turnout of 47.91 percent by 2pm across the 36,031 polling centres in Bangladesh.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told a briefing at 4:15pm that the turnout count from 6,620 centres were still pending.

At the Mohila College Chattogram centre for the Chattogram-9 seat in Enayet Bazar, for instance, officials noted that out of 773 registered voters at the men’s booth, only 332 had cast their votes by 3:35pm. 

In Chattogram-10’s Omargani MES College and New Jhautola Government Primary School centres, the situation was similar. 

Outside the city, turnout trends varied. 

Chattogram-14’s Suchiya Ramkrishna School recorded around 47 percent turnout by the close of voting, while South Hashimpur Government Primary School saw a rate at nearly 72 percent.

Mymensingh ballot-stamping video goes viral

A group has allegedly taken over a voting room and stamped ballots at the Lohaboi Baradi Government Primary School centre in Mymensingh-11 constituency.

The centre’s presiding officer was removed after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

Woman jailed over fake vote in Jhalakathi

A woman in Jhalakathi’s Nalchity Upazila has been sentenced to two years in prison and fined Tk 5,000 for allegedly attempting to cast a fake vote.

The convict is 34-year-old Shabina Begum. If she fails to pay the fine, she will have to serve an additional 15 days in jail.

How many seats did BNP and Jamaat win in each election?

Postman travels 57km on foot, rickshaw to deliver ballots

A postman has travelled 57km on foot and by rickshaw to deliver postal ballots before the voting ended.

Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the Election Commission’s Out of Country Voting (OCV) System Development and Implementation (SDI) Project, confirmed that the incident occurred in the bordering Haluaghat Upazila in Mymensingh.

The postman reached the Mymensingh post office at 4:27pm, according to the Election Commission.

His ballots reached the district administrator's office at 4:30pm, the EC said.

Voter dies in Jatrabari

A voter has died at a Jatrabari polling centre after collapsing on the stairs while making his way to cast the ballot.

The man, Ali Abu Saeed Sarker, 53, a marine engineer and father of two, lived in Maniknagar, Dhaka. His family said he had a history of heart disease and had previously suffered a stroke.

His death is one of six reported at polling stations across the country on election day, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Manikganj, Brahmanbaria, and Gaibandha. 

Officials said five of the deaths were due to sudden illness, while one has been linked to allegations of a physical altercation.

Yunus calls for calm after polls close

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called on all political parties and candidates to exercise “restraint and democratic decorum” following the announcement of the general election and referendum results.

In a statement issued Thursday after voting concluded, Yunus said: “Differences of opinion will exist, but we must remain united in the national interest.”

He extended congratulations to the nation, noting that both the parliamentary election and the referendum had concluded in a “peaceful and festive atmosphere.”

Dhaka women vote for ‘corruption-free’ rule

Women voters turned out in large numbers across Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-5, many casting ballots for the first time and calling for a “corruption-free and transparent” government.

Young voters in Shonir Akhra, Jatrabari, Demra and Sayedabad spoke of safety, reform and economic relief, saying they want leadership that “works for the people”.

Turnout at women-only centres ranged from 16 percent to 34 percent by early afternoon.

Some older voters, however, admitted confusion over the referendum ballot, saying they cast a “Yes” vote without fully understanding the implications.

'Ballot raid' halts voting in Cumilla, 38 papers voided

Voting in Cumilla-10 was halted for 90 minutes after a group stormed a polling centre in Lalmai and tried to "seize" ballots to seal for a specific symbol.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at Chouddadona Government Primary School, said Presiding Officer Md Amzad Hossain.

Officials recovered 38 stamped ballots, all declared invalid. None were inserted into ballot boxes.

Police restored order, and voting resumed at 3pm after being suspended from 1:30pm.

Authorities confirmed three detentions.

Election ‘satisfactory’ until noon, then ‘attacks’ began: NCP

The National Citizen Party (NCP) says Thursday's polls were “satisfactory” until 12pm, alleging that complaints have since emerged from across the country.

Monira Sharmin, secretary of the party’s electioneering committee, said NCP polling agents were barred from entering several centres.

“Since the afternoon, our leaders, activists and centre observers have come under attack.”

“We have seen activists of a specific party trying to influence voters inside polling centres.”

Sharmin held a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office on Thursday as voting was still under way.

Referring to the Dhaka-18 constituency, she said: “Polling agents of the paddy sheaf entered centres wearing party identity cards and tried to influence voters. The incident took place at Uttara High School and College centre.”

“When NCP candidate Nasiruddin Patwary went to inspect centres in Dhaka-8, he was attacked by local BNP activists, which we have seen reported in various media outlets.

“At Mirza Abbas Mohila Degree College centre in the same constituency, BNP activists obstructed our polling agent from entering. We observed similar influences in Dhaka-9 as well.”

NCP leader caught with fake ballots in Panchagarh jailed

Police have detained an NCP leader carrying illegal ballot papers in Panchagarh-1’s Atwari Upazila.

A mobile court later sentenced him to jail.

Sukumar Ray Das Babu, convenor of the Upazila branch of the NCP Jubo Shakti, was arrested on his way to the Atwari Model Pilot High School polling centre.

Judicial Court Judge and Assistant Judge Rana Parvez said the mobile court sentenced him to three years in prison, fined him Tk 10,000, and sent him to jail.

Voter dies in Gaibandha after casting ballot

An elderly voter, Bashed Ali, collapsed and died after casting his ballot at Osmaner Para Government Primary School in Gaibandha’s Saghata around 12:30pm.

His younger brother, a polling agent, formally informed officials, who confirmed the death as natural.

This is the fifth death reported at polling centres, following earlier incidents in Chattogram, Khulna, Manikganj, and Brahmanbaria.

Kishoreganj man gets jail over ‘fake vote’

A 20-year-old has been sentenced to two years in jail for attempting to cast a fake vote in Kishoreganj’s Hossainpur.

Imran Mia faced instant detention after allegedly impersonating another voter at the polling station.

A mobile court delivered instant justice at the scene, handing Imran a two-year jail term and a Tk 10,000 fine.

Authorities described the case as a “clear violation” of electoral law.

Election ends, vote counting begins

The 13th national parliamentary election has officially drawn to an end, with polling centres closing at 4:30pm.

However, those inside the premises of polling centres and waiting in line will be allowed to cast their ballots.

The Election Commission reported turnout of around 48 percent by 2pm, based on results from 36,031 of 43,000 centres.

Officials estimate the final turnout could reach 55–60 percent.

This is the fourth time Bangladesh is voting in a referendum, but the first time one is being held alongside a general election.

Mohammadpur polling sees midday uptick

Voter turnout in Dhaka-13’s Mohammadpur constituency has surged by midday, with several centres reporting sharp increases.

First-time voters expressed excitement, calling the atmosphere “very good” and pledging support for reforms in the referendum.

At Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College (centres 83 and 84) and Mohammadpur High Girls’ School (centres 66 and 68), turnout jumped from morning single digits to 18–43 percent by early afternoon.

Mohammadpur Kendriya College and Physical Education College mirrored the trend.

Turnout 48% at 36,000 centres as of 2pm

The turnout at 36,031 polling centres across the country is 47.91 percent as of 2pm, according to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

He made the statement at a briefing at the EC Headquarters in Dhaka at 4:15pm.

Islami Andolan alleges irregularities in polls

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has made a swathe of allegations over irregularities in the Feb 12 vote.

In a statement by Central Publicity Secretary Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, he said that voting had been “carried out early” in several polling centres in the Bhola-1 constituency.

He also alleged that BNP activists had “attacked” activists and leaders of the party at different centres and areas in the Patuakhali-4 constituency.

Maruf said agents at the Maipur Memorial School and College centre had been “beaten and thrown out” and “fake votes” had been cast.

Meanwhile, women Jamaat-e-Islami agents had “grabbed voters’ ballots and marked them for their own candidates” at the Banker Hat Girls’ Secondary School centre in the Bhola-1 seat, he said.

He added that BJP activists had “blockaded” a Bhola unit leader of the party and candidates’ election agents in Uttar Digholdi Ward No. 7 in the same constituency. The Army members were able to rescue them after some time, he said.

He alleged that BNP activists had “attacked a handfan activist for trying to stop voter fraud” in polling centres No. 61 and No. 61 in Bhola-4, the Islami Andolan leader alleges.

Several people were “critically injured” and hospitalised, he said.

Maruf alleges that a similar incident occurred in Narsingdi-5’s Raipura, as BNP activists “beat an Islami Andolan agent bloody before removing them from the centre”.

Party agents have also been “beaten and injured” and “thrown out of centres” in Jhalakathi-5’s Rajapur Thana, the statement said.

The party says it has informed the local administration of the incidents and will submit written complaints to the chief election commissioner in Dhaka.

Presiding officer pulled over ‘early signatures’

An election official in Chattogram-14 has been removed from a polling station following complaints that result papers were signed by agents while voting was still under way.

Md Faridul Alam, the presiding officer at the Ali Ahmad Pranohori High School centre in North Satkania, was withdrawn from his post on Thursday afternoon.

Khondaker Mahmudul Hasan, assistant returning officer and Satkania UNO, said polling agents are required to sign result documents only after voting ends, and results are formally prepared. 

Faridul Alam said the signatures had been taken by mistake. “It was an error. I did not do this intentionally,” he said.

The polling centre has around 3,000 registered voters. By 1:30pm, turnout stood at roughly 30 percent.

Jatiya Party vows to fight to the end

Jatiya Party Secretary General Shameem Haidar Patwary has pledged to fight the Gaibandha-1 elections to the last vote while warning of voter “intimidation and interference”.

Patwary said he has observed strong voter enthusiasm but noted the presence of outsiders and attempts to block voters from participating, particularly targeting Hindu voters.

He alleged that threats and arrests are being used to prevent both his party’s supporters and those of the Awami League from reaching polling centres.

“We will challenge irregularities but accept results if polls are fair,” Patwary said.

Confident Tarique sees BNP win, broad alliance

Tarique Rahman has said the BNP would seek to govern in partnership with “more or less” all political parties if it secures victory in the election.

Speaking to reporters outside the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan about two and a half hours before voting ended, he expressed confidence in a BNP victory.

Drawing on those visits to a series of polling centres across Dhaka and reports from elsewhere in the country, he said he was satisfied with voter turnout.

Jamaat, allies call for polls to be suspended in 3 seats

The Jamaat-e-Islami led 11-party alliance has called for voting in the Cumilla-8, Shariatpur-2, and Patuakhali-1 constituencies to be suspended over allegations of irregularities. 

A delegation from the alliance presented the demand to Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC's headquarters on Thursday afternoon.

At polling centre, Hadi’s sister calls for justice

Masuma Hadi, the sister of Sharif Osman BIN Hadi, has called for justice for her brother’s assassination after casting her vote.

She went to the Government Nalchity Merchants Secondary School centre in Jhalakathi carrying a photograph of Hadi, who was a leader of the Inqilab Moncho, with a placard that said -- “I want justice for my brother’s murder”.

“Even today, we do not have justice for my brother’s death,” she said. “I want justice. Our protest will continue until we get justice.”

“This election has been organised following the sacrifice of 1,700 martyrs and the blinding of over 3,000. After July, they murdered my brother. Whichever government comes to power must ensure justice for my brother’s killing.”

BNP’s Milton claims balloting pace ‘throttled’ at centres

BNP candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton has accused polling officials of deliberately slowing down voting at several centres in Dhaka-15, where Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman is also contesting. 

Visiting Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College at 2:25pm, he said long lines were creating “artificial delays” and flagged alleged proxy voting at Kazipara Siddiquia Fazil Madrasah.

How many postal ballots have returning officers received?

The postal ballots of 1,062,177 voters have reached returning officers, said Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader for the out of country voting initiative at the EC, at 3pm on Thursday.

Of the 767,188 ballots sent to expatriates abroad, 470,701 have been filled out and submitted.

Postal ballots were also sent out to 760,898 voters in Bangladesh. Of them, 591,476 have submitted their votes.

In order for postal ballots to be counted, they must reach returning officers by 4:30pm, when polls close.

No major alarms during polls: EC secretary

No major concerns have developed surrounding Thursday’s vote, says to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

Isolated incidents outside some centres were “swiftly” handled and no voting was suspended completely. All centres remain open, he added.

Responding to a viral video from Cumilla-14 alleging proxy voting, he said action would be taken if the incident was verified.

Voter turnout surges at DU centres

As the afternoon unfolds, voter presence has swelled across Dhaka University’s three polling centres.

By 2pm on Thursday, long queues stretched outside each centre, a marked contrast to the lighter turnout seen in the morning. 

Some voters reported standing in line for 30 to 45 minutes before casting their ballots.

At the polling station near the University Laboratory School, 2,925 registered voters are assigned, with presiding officer Ashish Kumar Sarker reporting that roughly 30 percent had voted by midday. 

These centres fall under the Dhaka-8 constituency, where NCP’s Nasiruddin Patwary is taking on the BNP’s heavyweight Mirza Abbas.

BNP-Jamaat clashes injure 23 in Meherpur

Clashes have broken out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Meherpur amid allegations on vote obstruction, with 23 people being injured

Law enforcers intervened after a clash broke out around 9:30am near a polling station in Mujibnagar, injuring five.

“Upon receiving information about the clash between BNP and Jamaat, the police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Three Jamaat supporters were arrested from the spot and taken to the police station. The situation is currently calm, and voting is going on without any problems,” Mujibnagar Police Station chief Zahidul Islam said.

Another clash erupted in Saharbati village of Gangni Upazila later in the day, reportedly over attempts to block individuals from going to the polling station.

Thirteen more people were injured in that incident.

Gangni Police Station chief Uttam Kumar Das said the situation had since stabilised.

“The situation is currently under control. Those injured in the clash are receiving treatment at various hospitals. Police, RAB, BGB and army are deployed at the spot,” he said.

Voter dies of 'heart attack' in Ctg

A 62-year-old man has collapsed and died while waiting to cast his ballot at a Chattogram polling centre.

Md Monu Mia was standing in line at Kazir Dewri Government Primary School in the Chattogram-9 constituency around 7:35am when he suddenly fell ill, according to his son, known only as Shakil. 

Mia was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors confirmed his death, attributing it to a heart attack.

‘Engineered result’ will not be accepted: Mirza Abbas

Dhaka-8 BNP candidate Mirza Abbas has warned that “engineered results” will not be accepted, alleging that efforts are being made to make the election “controversial” as the day has gone on.

He made the remarks at the Mirza Abbas Mohila College voting centre after casting his ballot.

“Until 12:40pm, the voting has been peaceful, good, and fair,” he said.

Addressing allegations that 11-party alliance rival Nasiruddin Patwary had his polling agents driven out of the centre, Abbas said:

“I am not aware of this. I have contested elections in this area five or six times and have never heard such allegations before.”

He said, “Attempts are there to make the election process controversial, but the people will respond through ballots.”

Asked whether he would accept the results, he said, “No engineered result will be accepted.”

Voting hurdles for the disabled in Dhaka

At Kamrunnesa Government Girls’ High School in Dhaka’s Tikatuli, wheelchair-bound voter Mushfiquzzaman struggled to access the polling centre due to a flight of stairs. Several bystanders helped him up, only for him to face another obstacle: his ballot room was on the second floor.

Actor Shafiqul Islam Lipu, noticing the situation, intervened and called the polling agent, who made arrangements for Mushfiquzzaman to cast his vote. 

“I saw him waiting at the gate in his wheelchair. Once we brought him inside, the polling agent ensured he could vote on the second floor,” Lipu said.

Salim Al Mamun, presiding officer of Centre 33, acknowledged the challenge. 

“Ideally, there should be separate arrangements for voters with disabilities. For now, we are making provisions for those who arrive on their own.”

With assistance from a few Ansar members, Mushfiquzzaman finally voted and expressed his joy, while also noting the difficulty. 

“I am hurt. There should have been proper arrangements for people like us,” he said, urging the next government to ensure employment and social support for the disabled. 

Other voters at the centre, including Abdul Kader Ripon and the visually impaired Hajera Begum, also cast their ballots.

Banani voting resumes after 24-minute hiccup

At Banani Model School, polling was briefly halted for 24 minutes after voter Aklima from Korail slum was “mistakenly” told her vote had already been cast.

Law enforcers and the presiding officer intervened, confirming she had not received a ballot.

Once she was allowed to cast her vote, polling resumed normally.

Voting day smiles for Tarique and family

Smiles and light-hearted chatter have marked a brief stay of Tarique Rahman and family at the polling centre, turning what is usually a routine act of voting into a rare family moment in the spotlight.

After returning home from the Gulshan Model School polling centre, the BNP chief’s daughter Zaima Rahman shared cheerful snapshots on social media, accompanied by his father and mother, Zubaida Rahman. 

Zaima simply wrote: “Voted!”

Lower women turnout at Dhaka-15 centre

At Dhaka-15’s Uttar Kafrul High School, women’s turnout lags at 25 percent by 1pm, while men reach nearly 37 percent by noon.

Officials say overall voting is “satisfactory” and women’s participation is steadily rising across six polling centres.

Calm vote in Bandarban, turnout muted

Voting has remained calm in Bandarban, though crowds in town centres have been thin.

Urban stations saw light footfall, with most voters casting ballots without queues. In a few centres, short lines of women voters formed briefly.

District-wide turnout stood at about 14 percent in the early phase, according to officials.

Participation is comparatively higher in Upazilas.

Voting has been peaceful nationwide: Army chief

Manifesto highlights

The main contenders have laid out sweeping election manifestos, promising structural reform, economic growth and social welfare gains if given power.

Analysts tracking the pledges say there is little daylight between the headline commitments of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Their core critique: bold priorities, vague timelines, limited clarity on execution.

The BNP manifesto spans 51 pledges. Key promises include:

•    Family Cards for all women, farmer cards, crop insurance
•    100,000 new health workers
•    Mid-day meals, free school uniforms, mandatory third-language education
•    Goal: $1 trillion economy by 2034
•    Governance priorities: anti-corruption, rule of law, accountability
•    Institutional reforms: caretaker government system, vice-president post, 10-year PM term, judicial independence, Upper House in parliament with 10 percent women, opposition deputy speaker, July killings trial, legal protections for Uprising participants
•    Employment: 500,000 public-sector jobs, private-sector service rules, pension fund, unemployment allowance, 1 million IT jobs

Jamaat has outlined 26 priority areas and a separate 41-point commitment list.

•    Women’s representation in cabinet (despite no female candidates in this election)
•    Family counselling, safe schools, mental health centres, support for children with special needs
•    Anti-corruption, unity, justice, efficiency, job creation
•    Youth employment: 7 million jobs domestically and abroad
•    GDP growth: 7 percent, $2 trillion economy by 2040 (analysts question feasibility)
•    Foreign policy: enhance passport value, strengthen bilateral ties with India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar

NCP plan:

The NCP has pledged to build a skilled, tech-driven force and provide compulsory national defence training for citizens aged 18 and above.

Army rescues Patwary after BNP activists blockade him

The Army has rescued Nasiruddin Patwary, the NCP leader and candidate for the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance, after he was blockaded inside a polling centre in Shahjahanpur.

The incident occurred around 12:30pm on Thursday amid a heated contest between Patwary and Dhaka-8 BNP rival Mirza Abbas.

After Patwary entered, Abbas’s supporters attempted to enter the polling centre through the gate and were blocked by election officials.

Over 100 BNP activists then took to the field and blockaded Patwary inside.

After 20 minutes, an Army team, alongside a number of law enforcing personnel, came and rescued him.

As Patwary left, several hundred people gave chase.

Asked about the incident, Abbas said: “I know nothing about this situation.”

Patwary was unable to make a statement to the media amid the tense situation.

Over 32% turnout recorded by noon: EC

By 12pm, 32.88 percent of voters have cast their ballots at 32,789 polling centres.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the development at the Election Commission headquarters at 12:30pm on Thursday.

Ishraque, brother vote in Dhaka-6

Dhaka-6 BNP candidate Ishraque Hossain has cast his vote, standing in line alongside voters and accompanied by his younger brother, Ishfaque Hossain.

After casting his ballot at Kamrunnesa Government Girls’ High School in Tikatuli, he was “fully confident” in victory and said he would accept the results of the election. 

“The polling atmosphere seems good. Voter turnout is encouraging. Old Dhaka residents may take a little longer to rise, so I expect turnout to increase further,” he added.

Over 1.1mn postal ballots reach returning officers

In the first-ever technology-enabled postal voting, returning officers have received 1.12 million ballots from both overseas and domestic voters.

By 1pm on Thursday, 1,125,382 ballots had arrived, including 488,281 from abroad and 637,101 from within Bangladesh. 

Around 1.53 million voters were approved to cast their votes via postal ballot this year.

Jamaat hails ‘excellent’ voting environment

Jamaat-e-Islami says the overall voting environment is “excellent” and festive, with strong turnout nationwide, particularly among young voters.

However, the party alleges its agents have faced obstruction and attacks in parts of Bhola, Cumilla and Noakhali, and has urged the authorities to act.

We are at a turning point in history: BNP's Salahuddin

34% turnout in four hours at Dhaka-11 centre

Voter turnout at AKM Rahmatullah University College centre in Dhaka-11 has hit 34 percent in the first four hours of polling.

The centre, with three male and three female booths, saw 648 of 1,785 male voters and 531 of 1,664 female voters cast their ballots, according to Presiding Officer Md Abdur Rahman.

Crowds kept streaming in from nearby areas, keeping the energy high.

EU team visits Dhaka University polling centre

The European Union election monitoring team has vowed to remain neutral during its inspection of Dhaka University’s Curzon Hall polling centre.

“We are observing the election and later, on the 14th of February, we will produce a preliminary report on how the election has been conducted,” Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs said.

He added that observers across the country have been sending information, which is being compiled to produce a credible assessment of the polls.

People want BNP to form govt: Amir Khosru

Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the people want the party to lead the country, citing visible voter enthusiasm and renewed trust in its leadership.

Bangladeshis have repeatedly placed trust in the BNP during times of crisis, he added. “I see once again that people want the party form the government.”

Describing the polling environment as “positive”, he said he had toured two to three constituencies and observed large crowds and spontaneous public enthusiasm, adding that the return of democratic practice could be felt on the ground.

Reflecting on the significance of this election, the BNP Standing Committee member, said: “For 17–18 years, people could not vote. Many sacrificed lives, faced disappearances, lost jobs and businesses. Some died in custody or in prison. Today we honour their contribution.”

People would rather starve than be deprived of vote: Moyeen

BNP National Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan, after voting in his constituency, says people would rather starve than not be allowed to vote.

NCP’s Patwary to BNP: “Let’s play the full 90 minutes”

NCP’s Nasiruddin Patwary has told the BNP: "let’s play the full 90 minutes", after his polling agent was delayed and barred from working for three hours at Mirza Abbas Mohila College centre.

He claimed party-backed “musclemen” interfered, preventing proper monitoring, and called the obstruction “a blow to democracy”.

Patwary warned of widespread irregularities but vowed voters’ support would "honour the legacy of martyrs like Sharif Osman bin Hadi".

Khulna BNP leader dies amid altercation with Jamaat

A BNP leader has died during an altercation with Jamaat-e-Islami activists outside a polling centre in Khulna.

The BNP says that he died when a Jamaat leader “pushed him” into a tree and hurt him. The Jamaat leader claims that the victim “fell ill” amid the unrest.

The victim has been identified as Mohibuzzaman Kochi, 55, a former office secretary of the Khulna city unit of the BNP. He lives in the city’s Haji Mohsin Road area.

The incident took place at 8:10am on Thursday at the Alia Madrasah polling station in Khulna Sadar.

Former organising secretary of Khulna Sadar Thana BNP Yusuf Harun Majnu said, “There was tension at the Alia Madrasah polling station since the morning. The principal of Alia Madrasa was campaigning for Jamaat there.

“When he was obstructed, he pushed Mohibuzzaman Kochi. He struck a tree and hit his head. That is why he died.”

Denying the allegations, Khulna Alia Madrasah Principal Abdur Rahim Mia said, “I was entering my house after voting at the Soburannesa (Mohila College) polling centre. Then I saw some women being thrown out. I asked everyone to leave. I did not push anyone.”

Jamaat Centre Director Mahbubur Rahman said, “The BNP people were throwing out our female workers. I stopped them. Then one of them fell ill. I heard later on that he died.”

Read more here.

'I want my last vote to be peaceful'

Abdul Quader Bepari came to his polling centre, leaning heavily on a walking stick.

“All the friends I had who are my age have died. But I’m still sitting here. I am 86 years old. This is my last vote. I won’t be able to vote again. My son brought me. I voted,” he said.

Asked about his hopes for the election, he said: “I don’t want any more unrest or violence. I am casting a vote at the end of my life. Let Allah bring peace to our country. That is what I want.”

Labanya Chowdhury, who came to cast her first-ever vote, hopes for the same thing.

“This is my first ever vote,” she said. “I became a voter in 2024. My mother told me not to vote. But I have come this time. The only thing I want is for there to be no more unrest. I want peace and order to return. I don’t want anyone to stand in the way of women. That is my hope.”

Alim Mia, a middle-aged man, also spoke of his hopes.

“When I went to into business, I realised that this country a hell. Everyone is trying to go after everyone else. I want to do away with that,” he said.

Voters, young and old, are coming to cast their ballots in the parliamentary election. Lines are forming in some places, while other booths stand empty.

Yunus calls election a ‘liberation day’

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has described the Feb 12 vote as “liberation day,” framing the vote as the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.

After casting his ballot at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Dhaka around 10:30am on Thursday, Yunus said the occasion carried deep personal and national significance.

“I felt very good. This is a day of great joy in my life. And it is a day of great joy for all Bangladeshis. Liberation day,” he said.

Calling the day the “birthday of the new Bangladesh,” the chief advisor said the country would celebrate the moment.

Bomb blasts briefly halt voting in Munshiganj

Voting was suspended for about 15 minutes at a polling station in Munshiganj-3 after a series of hand bomb explosions outside the centre.

Police and election officials say 10 to 12 crude bombs were detonated around 10:15am on Thursday in front of Makhati Gurucharan High School in Sadar Upazila, triggering panic among voters.

Presiding Officer Md Titumir said voting has since resumed.

“There was some panic after the explosions. We stopped voting briefly, but it has now started again and people are casting their ballots,” he said.

Dhaka-6: Turnout 9.42% in first two hours

Voter turnout reached 9.42 percent within the first two hours at Kamrunnessa Government Girls’ High School centre in Tikatuli, under the Dhaka-6 constituency.

Of the 3,337 registered voters, 348 people had voted as of 9:30am. Presiding Officer Selim Al Mamun said 201 were men and 147 were women.

3 hurt in blast at Gopalganj polling station

Three people, including a 13-year-old girl, have been injured in an alleged hand bomb attack at a polling station in Gopalganj.

The blast occurred around 9am on Thursday at the Reshma International School centre in the Nichupara area of the town.

Two members of the Ansar, a paramilitary auxiliary force responsible for election security, were among those hurt. The injured have been taken to hospital.

Zahirul Islam, the presiding officer at the polling station, said the injuries were minor and that voting resumed shortly afterwards.

“Two Ansar members and a child were slightly injured. Voting is now continuing at the centre as usual.”

Nahid casts first-ever vote

Nahid Islam, a key figure in the July Uprising and convenor of the National Citizen Party, cast his first vote in a national election at AKM Rahmatullah University College centre in Badda, contesting from Dhaka-11.

Urging voters to turn out “without fear” in a festive mood, he framed the ballot as a chance for the public to reclaim ownership of the government after 16 years without credible polls.

Nahid said the 11-party alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, has been formed with the goal of forming a government, expressing confidence that it will prevail if voters can cast their ballots freely.

He called for administrative “neutrality” amid reports of obstructions in parts of the country.

Voting in 299 constituencies began at 7:30am and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30pm.

Home Advisor Jahangir casts his ballot

After casting his ballot in Baridhara, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told reporters the polls are being held in a free and festive atmosphere, barring a few incidents.

Afterwards, he visited the central coordination cell and received updates on the latest news across the country.

Tamim Iqbal excited after casting first-ever vote

Casting a vote for the first time in his life, former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal said he was “excited”.

Tamim arrived at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre at Askar Dighir Par in Chattogram after 11am on Thursday.

The Iqbal family’s permanent residence is in Kazir Dewri, not far from the centre. Tamim was accompanied by his elder brother Nafis Iqbal, also a former national cricketer.

Speaking to reporters after voting, Tamim said: “It’s the first vote of my life. (I’m very) excited.” 

He also said that all members of his family had cast their votes.

In Chattogram-9 (Kotwali-Bakalia), 416,463 voters can cast their ballots at 121 centres.

'Polling agents driven out of centres': Tasnim Jara

Tasnim Jara, an independent candidate in the Dhaka-9 constituency, has alleged that her polling agents were being driven out of centres on different pretexts, questioning the fairness of the election.

She made the complaint while speaking to reporters at the Khilgaon Model College centre.

“Our polling agents are not being allowed to enter. They are being told that they are not voters of these constituencies. But there is no rule that a polling agent must be a voter of that seat. At men’s centres, they have shown a rule about female agents and driven our agents out," she said.

“They are being harassed in different ways. They are being told that phones cannot be taken inside. But phones can be taken in, they just cannot be used.”

Questioning the fairness of the election, she said: “Based on various excuses, our polling agents have been removed. But inside [the polling centres], people are voting. How can this be a fair process? When we ask about the rules, they cannot even explain them.”

However, when asked about the allegations Habibur Rashid Habib, one of her rivals for the seat, said: “None of our people obstructed her agents. Jara did not make any specific allegation against any particular party.”

Army, Navy chiefs cast votes in Dhaka

Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman voted at Adamjee Cantonment College in Dhaka at 10:25am.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Md Nazmul Hassan, meanwhile, cast his ballot at Baridhara Scholars’ International School and College.

Election official dies at Brahmanbaria centre

An election official has died while on duty at a polling centre in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail Upazila.

Md Mujahidul Islam, 48, was working at the Nazrul Islam Auditorium Centre (Polling Centre No. 51) when he suddenly fell ill.

His colleagues rushed him to the Sarail Upazila Health Complex, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.

Surail Upazila Health and Family Planning Official Md Mohammad Nizam Uddin said doctors believe he may have died of a brain haemorrhage.

Mujahidul hailed from Halua Para village in the Upazila.

Voters will thwart any conspiracy: Tarique

After casting his vote in the parliamentary election and referendum, BNP chief Tarique Rahman has said voters will thwart any “conspiracy” through the ballot box.

He arrived at the Gulshan Model High School polling centre with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman at 9:35am on Thursday. Zaima voted for the first time. 

After casting his ballot, he stepped outside the premises where local and foreign media crowded around him for comment.

“I have just exercised my constitutional right to vote,” he said. “For more than a decade, the people of Bangladesh have waited for this day. We are confident they will use their rights and usher in a democratic Bangladesh.”

Asked how optimistic he felt about the BNP’s prospects, he replied: “I am firmly hopeful.”

He added that if citizens turn out in large numbers, “any conspiracy can be resisted”.

Porwar hopes for a ‘changed Bangladesh’

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, who is running from Khulna-5, believes a “changed Bangladesh” will emerge after the parliamentary elections.

He cast his vote at West Shiromoni Government Primary School in Khulna-5 on Thursday morning. 

He said, “Hundreds of people are voting in a peaceful, festive atmosphere with smiles on their faces. 

“As a voter myself, I was able to cast my vote. God willing, after the polls, the nation will witness yet another transformed Bangladesh.”

Recalling past difficulties, he added: “In 2018, I was a candidate here. Even though I was a voter at this centre, I was told over the phone not to come to vote because I would be arrested. 

“How could I consider voters’ interests if a candidate could be detained just for entering a polling station? Today, that Bangladesh has changed; people are voting with smiles.”

EC deploys five-pronged monitoring system for polls

The Election Commission (EC) says it is monitoring voting in the parliamentary election and referendum using a five-layered system.

Live video feeds from body-worn cameras worn by law enforcers, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at polling stations, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operated by the Bangladesh Air Force are being observed from the EC’s Central Law and Order Coordination Cell. The EC is also using an “Election Protection” mobile app to track developments.

Around 10:45am on Thursday, officials at the Coordination Cell at the EC headquarters were seen monitoring live footage from across the country.

The cell began its monitoring operations at 7:30am, when voting started. Officials on duty said they were observing feeds from polling station CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras, drones and Air Force UAVs.

So far, no major untoward incidents have occurred, according to officials. The Nirbachan Shurokkha app is also being used to monitor the voting situation, officials said.

LDP’s Oli Ahmed puts faith in 11-party alliance

LDP chief Oli Ahmed is hoping that the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance will form the next government.

Speaking after casting his ballot at the Chandanaish Sadar Government Primary School polling centre on Thursday morning, he said the election so far had been largely peaceful, with no complaints of polling stations being taken over.

Voting under the “Umbrella” symbol for the 11-party alliance is Oli’s son, Omar Faruk, a retired Army officer.

Festive mood at centres, Dhaka roads fall silent

Voting has begun in Dhaka for the parliamentary election and referendum, with neighbourhood polling stations bustling while main roads remain largely empty.

From dawn, supporters and workers of candidates have gathered around polling centres, alongside visible deployment of police, Ansar, RAB, BGB, and Army personnel. 

By 7:30am, long queues were already forming at several centres. Local shops remain closed, except for some hotels and restaurants.

Voters have arrived gradually throughout the morning, checking in with candidate agents at booths before casting their ballots. 

Md Tarikul, a government employee from Mirpur, waited outside the Badshah Faisal Institute centre in Shyamoli, noting that he had travelled specifically to vote. 

He described casting his ballot as “one of the highest duties of a citizen” and said it gave him a sense of satisfaction.

With all public transport suspended, autorickshaws have become the primary means for voters to reach centres. 

Many are organised by candidates, who ferry citizens to polling stations and back home. 

In Mohammadpur, drivers working for Khelafat Majlis chief Mamunul Haque, candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance, are shuttling voters all day.

Security forces are stationed at every polling centre, and mobile patrol teams are active across the city, conducting spot checks and maintaining order. 

Coordinated patrols combine different agencies to monitor the polling environment in key areas.

Ismat Ara hopeful of son Ishraque’s victory

Ismat Ara, mother of BNP-nominated Dhaka-6 candidate Ishraque Hossain, is hopeful that her son will win the election after casting her vote.

She voted around 10am on Thursday at Kamrunnesa Government Girls’ High School in Tikatuli.

“Today I was able to vote in a very peaceful environment. Voter turnout is also good. I am hearing words of hope from people,” said Ismat said, wife of former undivided Dhaka City Corporation mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka.

“I am placing my trust in Allah. God willing, my son will be victorious.”

She said people had been able to exercise their voting rights after a long time, calling it a positive development for democracy.

Low turnout at DU polling centre

At Dhaka University’s Udayan Uchcha Madhyamik Bidyalaya, just 11 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots by 10:30am.

Polling officer Robiul Hosen said the centre has around 1,000 voters, but turnout remained low during the first three hours. 

Observers on-site noted a sparse crowd, with booths largely empty.

Islami Andolan’s Faizul declines to judge voting atmosphere

Islami Andolan Bangladesh senior deputy chief Syed Md Faizul Karim cast his vote in Barishal-5 but declined to comment on the voting atmosphere before the results.

He noted that while nothing unusual has occurred so far, it is too early to assess the overall conduct of the election.

On Thursday morning at Rupatoli Housing centre, he emphasised the need for citizens to cast their votes freely and for the administration to ensure all results are counted transparently, warning against any “manipulation or engineered outcomes”.

Dhaka-6 polling agent row ‘fake’: Army

Claims that a polling agent has been forced out at Kamrunnesa Government Girls’ High School in Dhaka-6 are “false”, according to the Bangladesh Army.

On Thursday at 9:30am, Captain Sifat briefed journalists outside the centre, saying a viral online report alleging the removal of a polling agent is “fake news”. 

He clarified that after speaking with presiding officers at three centres, no such incident occurred. 

“One agent temporarily left for personal reasons and returned after completing their task,” he added.

Captain Sifat, responsible for security at the centre, said: “All reports suggesting misconduct are completely false. Voting is proceeding smoothly and securely. 

“You can see the process is orderly and uninterrupted.”

Observers at the centre reported a festive atmosphere, with voter turnout increasing steadily as the morning progresses.

CA Yunus casts vote

Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim government, has cast his vote in the parliamentary elections.

He voted around 10:30am on Thursday at the Gulshan Model School and College polling centre in Dhaka, according to the Chief Advisor’s Office.

He also voted in the nationwide referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter at the same centre.

Bangladesh takes step forward to democracy: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has said Bangladesh has taken a step forward in its democratic journey through the parliamentary elections, expressing satisfaction with what he described as a festive voting atmosphere.

After casting his ballot at Eskaton Garden High School in Dhaka at 9:45am on Thursday, he said he was “very happy” with the overall environment surrounding the polls.

Referring to the day’s voting, the CEC said Bangladesh had moved ahead on the path of democracy and expressed optimism about the process.

“I promised that we would give the nation an election in a festive mode,” he said.

First vote ‘for reform’, say young voters

Young voters have expressed enthusiasm and excitement after casting their ballots for the first time, saying they had voted in favour of reform.

After casting his first-ever vote at the Dania University College centre, Arian Islam said he hoped whichever party formed the government would ensure reform initiatives to be implemented.

“We definitely need reforms. We want a new Bangladesh. We don’t want to go backwards,” he said.

Saying he became a voter in 2024 and was voting for the first time, Arian added, “It feels good to cast my first vote. The voting environment is good. We want the government to take the concerns of young people into account.

“There should be a balance of power. All parties should take part in policymaking decisions, and power should be equal for everyone.”

Mariam Sultana, who cast her vote for the first time, said: “We expect a new Bangladesh, where the government will think about its people.” 

Irene Sultana is a fresh voter as well. 

"We hope for a great Bangladesh. I voted ‘yes’ (for the referendum) as it was needed for the reform of the state. All trials should be carried out. Those who form the government should not be like previous ones.” 

Tanvir Hossain said he voted for change.

“We don’t want any autocracy anymore. The state needs reform. Yes, I voted to change the behaviour of the government,” he told bdnews24.com.

There are 2,686 voters at the Swadhinata Bhaban centre at Dania College under the Dhaka-4 constituency, while 3,114 voters are registered at the Ekushey Bhaban centre and 3,709 voters at the Bijoy Bhaban centre.

Dhaka-15: 9% turnout in one centre in first 2.5 hours

About 9 percent of registered voters have cast their ballots at a polling centre in the Dhaka-15 constituency as of 10am.

Md Rashedul Islam, presiding officer of the Pirerbagh Primary School centre, confirmed the matter on Thursday. 

The turnout stood at 8.78 percent at the centre, which is exclusive for women voters, he said.

The centre has a total of 2,938 registered voters, of whom 258 had voted as of 10am.

'Illegal entry': 2 polling officers replaced in Faridpur

Two presiding officers in Faridpur have been replaced following allegations of unauthorised entry by outsiders at polling centres.

The officials were Md Alamin at Hitaishi High School (Faridpur-3) and Zahidul Islam at Ashapur Madrasa (Faridpur-1).

Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Kamrul Hasan Mollah confirmed that new officers have been appointed and no untoward incidents occurred.

BNP’s Anee casts vote in ‘peaceful’ atmosphere

BNP Joint Secretary General and Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) candidate Sahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has expressed his satisfaction after voting in a “calm and orderly environment”.

Arriving early at Lamchari Government Primary School around 7:30am, he was the first to cast his ballot.

“After a long wait, we finally have a peaceful environment,” he said. “This will allow citizens to exercise their voting rights freely. I believe the calm and orderly atmosphere will continue.”

“I stand by everyone and will continue to do so.”

A total of six candidates, including Anee and Jamaat nominee Rezaul Karim, are contesting the seat.

Sylhet: Women lead early voting

Voting kicked off across Sylhet with a notable presence of female voters.

At Shahjalal Jameya Islamia Kamil Madrasah and Pathantula High School centres in Sylhet-1, long lines of women were seen from around 7:45am.

Voters said casting ballots early ensures a peaceful experience and helps finish before daily chores.

At Subid Bazar’s Anand Niketan centre, women arrived early for the same reason, while the presiding officers reported smooth voting with over 3,000 voters registered at each major centre.

In some centres, like PTI Academy, all early voters were women, with 50 ballots cast within the first half-hour.

Big day for Bangladesh's democracy: EU observers

European Union Election Observation Mission Chief Ivars Ijabs has called Thursday “a big day” for Bangladesh’s democracy.

Around 7:30am, he led a delegation to the Siddheswari Girls’ College polling centre in Dhaka to monitor voting.

“The centre opened on time. We are closely observing stations across the country,” he said, adding that he expects an “acceptable and fair election based on everyone’s participation”.

The parliamentary election and referendum are underway across 299 constituencies, with polls for one seat postponed.

Over 127 million voters are eligible, including expatriates and new postal voters registering online.

Tarique Rahman casts his vote

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has arrived at the Gulshan Model High School and College polling centre to cast his ballot in the 13th parliamentary election.

Where advisors are voting

Like all other citizens of the country, the advisors of the interim government are also casting their votes.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus will cast his vote at the Gulshan Model High School and College centre. He is likely to reach there around 10am.

Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed will also cast his vote at the Gulshan Model High School and College centre at 12:00pm on election day.

Siraj-Ud-Doula Khan, public relations officer at the Ministry of Finance shared the information.

According to the state news agency, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Asif Nazrul will vote at the Udayan High School and College centre near Dhaka University.

Education Advisor CR Abrar will cast his ballot at the University Laboratory School centre in Dhaka University.

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, advisor to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, will also vote at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Gulshan-2.

Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin will cast his vote at a centre in Dhanmondi, while Social Welfare Advisor Sharmeen S Murshid will vote at a centre in Mirpur-12’s Block E.

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter will cast her vote at a centre near Shyamoli Shishu Mela.

Shipping Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain will vote at a school centre in the DOHS area of Mohakhali.

Land Advisor Ali Imam Majumder will cast his ballot at the Uttara Sector-10 Government Primary School centre.

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain is also a Chattogram voter, but due to urgent work, he will remain in Dhaka, BSS said.

Nothing to fear, vote will be festive: Hasnat Abdullah

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has cast his vote at the Gopalnagar High School in Cumilla’s Debidwar. Afterwards, he spoke to the media.

Voting underway at DU polling centres

Voting is under way at three centres in the University Laboratory School centre at Dhaka University. Two of them are for men and one is for women.

Voter turnout was very low at the beginning of the day. There was no crowd at the women's centre, while a few people were seen queuing at the men's centre.

Two booths for BNP candidate Mirza Abbas were set up outside the centre, while no booths were visible for any other candidates.

About 2,900 voters are registered to cast their ballots at the three centres. The presiding officer said that voting has been peaceful since the morning.

Most of the voters at these centres are teachers, students, officials and employees of the university. Many have come to vote with their families.

Kamal Hossain, a former Dhaka University student who came to vote from Shewrapara, told bdnews24.com: "The atmosphere is very good. This time, it feels like a real vote."

Shampa Akhter, who came to vote for the first time, said: "I feel good about casting the first vote of my life. I hope that this election is not rigged. I hope that the election will not be like those of the last 15 years."

A new democratic journey begins: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir says the parliamentary election is kicking off a new “democratic journey” for Bangladesh.

After casting his vote at the Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School polling centre around 7:45am on Thursday, he said: "Bangladesh’s journey to democracy begins today. We hope this path will smoothly guide the lives of the people, the politics, and the economy of Bangladesh towards greater prosperity and progress in the days ahead."

Fakhrul’s wife Rahat Ara Begum, elder daughter Shamaruh Mirza, and younger daughter Shafaruh Mirza also voted at the same centre.

Fakhrul said, “After 15 long years, after the end of the ‘fascist’ rule, by the infinite mercy of Allah, today is an auspicious day and an auspicious beginning for this national election in Bangladesh.”

Describing the election as very “important”, he said: “This election will determine the direction the future politics of this country will take.”

Fakhrul said, “Today has begun auspiciously after overcoming many obstacles, through much bloodshed, through many sacrifices.”

“We had to make many sacrifices for this day, the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia left us after a long movement. She made sacrifices. Hundreds of thousands of people were tortured, disappeared, and killed by police.”

He said, “In July 2024, students, the public, farmers, and workers lost their lives. After so many sacrifices, we have today’s election.

“I hope this election will be fair, free, and peaceful. We hope that, with everyone’s participation, this election will start a new chapter for Bangladesh.”

Faruk E Azam casts ballot

Casting his ballot at Bangladesh Mahila Samity High School in Chattogram at 7:30am, Advisor Faruk E Azam said voting gives people the chance to voice their opinion, and they do not want to “lose” this opportunity.

"The feeling is extraordinary. The whole nation is happy,” he added.

“I pay tribute to the martyrs of July [Uprising] who made this opportunity possible through their sacrifice."

Chattogram has 16 constituencies with 6.68 million registered voters, 12,398 polling booths, and 115 candidates contesting in the seats. 

Over 40,000 law enforcers and 115 magistrates are deployed to ensure a smooth election, supported by a striking force.

Read more here.

'It feels like Eid'

A lawyer has described an emotional return to the ballot box after 17 years, saying voting again “feels like Eid”.

Masuma Akter cast her ballot at Kamrunnessa Government Girls’ High School polling centre in Tikatuli, Dhaka-6, becoming the first woman to vote at the centre on election morning.

 “I’ve voted after 17 years. After so long, it feels like Eid,” she said, her voice reflecting both relief and celebration.

“In a new Bangladesh, it feels very good to vote. This is the expression of our sacrifice -- this is what we wanted.”

Saying she had voted for her preferred candidate, Masuma added: “Whoever is elected, I expect them to develop this area beautifully.”

Voters began arriving at the centre from 7:30am, with many seen queuing patiently to participate in the democratic process.

The constituency sees a diverse range of candidates vying for the seat:

•    Ishraque Hossain is contesting the seat for the BNP

•    Abdul Mannan is running under the “weighing scale” symbol of Jamaat-e-Islami.

•    Amir Uddin Ahmed (Dalu) represents the Jatiya Party with the “plough” symbol

•    Ahmed Ali Sheikh of Gono Front

•    Md Akter Hossain of Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote

•    Md Yunus Ali Akhand of Bangladesh Congress, and

•    Fakhrul Islam of Gono Odhikar Parishad

Jamaat chief Shafiqur 'hopeful' of forming government

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has cast his vote in the 13th parliamentary elections.

He entered the Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College (Boy’s Branch) at 8:20am.

There, he cast his ballot in a booth on the college’s third floor at 8:30am.

Afterwards, he spoke to the media.

"It has been a long wait. Our countrymen have not been able to vote after a decade and a half. I could not either. I was in jail in 2014, 2018, and 2024, and did not have the chance to vote. After losing these three votes, today, Alhamdulillah, Allah Ta'ala has given us the opportunity to vote again. I thank the Almighty Allah.

"I pray that Allah Ta'ala will start a new chapter in Bangladesh through this vote."

The Jamaat ameer said: "I believe that it isn’t just me, but especially the youth who have not been able to cast a single vote in their lives, who were waiting for today.

"We pray that this vote be peaceful, fair, free from crime, free from occupation, and acceptable to all.

He said, "Through this vote, a government should be formed in the future that is not a government for an individual, family, or party, but is instead a government for the 180 million people. We are hopeful about the formation of that government. Please pray for us."

Read more here.

'Voting environment is very good'

Voters have expressed their satisfaction with the environment at the Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College (Boys' Branch) polling centre in Dhaka’s Mirpur.

After casting her vote, a woman said: "The voting environment is good. Very good."

When asked if she faced any problems voting for her preferred candidate, she said: "No, no. Everything is fine."

Jannat Ara Begum, 58, said after casting her vote: "Everything is beautiful, Alhamdulillah. I am very happy to be able to vote."

She expressed her excitement at being able to vote after so many years.

Asked whether she had voted in elections under the Awami League government, she said: "I couldn't vote then."

Nusaiba Islam, a first-time voter who has just completed her Higher Secondary Certificate and graduated from college, said she is “excited” to come to the polling centre.

Asked what she wants from the upcoming government, she said: “Honesty.”

Faria Tabassum, who is studying for a diploma in engineering, is also a first-time voter. She came to vote alongside her mother, grandfather, and aunt.

She said, “I am greatly enjoying it. I came with my mother. I was able to cast my vote in a festive atmosphere. My grandmother and aunt came too. I came with my whole family.”

Her mother Amena Ferdous said she was also voting for the first time.

Asked why she had never voted before, she said: “There was no proper environment for it. I could not cast my vote. This time the whole family has come to vote together. It is a very beautiful voting environment. I am liking it very much.”

Live from the polling centre

Voting is under way at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls’ High School centre in Dhaka.

Voting under way in Chattogram

Voters in Bangladesh’s southeastern port city of Chattogram are casting their ballots amid what observers describe as a new phase of political realignment.

Rezaul Karim, presiding officer of the Bailgaon Government Primary School in Sadhanpur Union, Banshkhali Upazila, said voting started at 7:30am.

The centre has 3,044 registered voters -- 1,554 men and 1,493 women.

A total of 411,934 voters are eligible to vote across 112 polling stations in the Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali) constituency.

A total of seven candidates are contesting in this constituency, including a rebel BNP candidate. They are:
•    Miskatul Islam Chowdhury (BNP)
•    Md Zahirul Islam (Jamaat-e-Islami)
•    Abdul Malek (Islamic Front)
•    Ehsanul Haque (Muslim League)
•    Ariful Haque (Gono Odhikar Parishad)
•    Hafez Ruhulrah (Islami Andolan)
•    Md Liaquat Ali (BNP rebel)

Chattogram district has 16 constituencies with a total of 6,685,125 registered voters, including 3,485,065 men and 3,199,991 women, along with 69 third-gender voters.

Early voters line up

Jamaat-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman will vote at 8:30am at the Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College (Boy’s Branch)

By 7:10am, 11 women were already standing in line, while the men’s queue was even longer. Both lines are growing steadily.

An Army team visited the main gate, asking voters to avoid congestion on the street.

The polling centre opened at 7:30am.

The first vote cast at the centre was in the women’s booth on the second floor. It took some time for the first ballot as no Jamaat-e-Islami agent was present. Eventually, the vote was cast in their absence.

The first voter was Tanzila Begum.

Polls open

Bangladesh is voting in its first general election since the July Uprising of 2024. In addition to the 13th parliamentary election, it is also holding a referendum simultaneously on approving the July National Charter outlining state reforms.

Polls have opened for 299 of the 300 parliamentary seats at 7:30am and will remain open until 4:30pm.

The parliamentary election will decide who will take the reins of Bangladesh's government for the next five years, while the referendum will shape how the state is structured.

Polls set to open

Good morning. Polling centres for the 13th parliamentary election are set to open at 7:30am on Thursday.

Voters have already started gathering outside some centres to cast early morning ballots before the rush begins. 

How votes will be consolidated and counted

The Election Commission (EC) has called for ballots to be collected and consolidated quickly after polls close.

The returning officers will issue notices informing candidates and their agents about the location and time for the consolidation process.

The results of the vote will be prepared by adding together the general polling centre result statement (Form-16) and the postal ballot (in-country and out-of-country) result statement (Form-16A) sent by the presiding officer.

The returning officer may examine ballot papers that have been declared invalid by the presiding officer if it is deemed necessary before consolidating the results.

Once the election results are confirmed, the returning officer must take steps to send a return (for gazette publication) with the consolidated result statement to the EC Secretariat. The name of the winning candidate must also be published through a public notice.

Hotline 333 activated

A special information service has been launched through the a2i National Helpline 333 to provide voters with accurate and reliable information during the election.

Citizens can dial the toll-free number from any mobile operator and press 9 to access election-related assistance.

The service provides information on voting procedures, polling centre locations, National ID issues, the electoral code of conduct and guidelines for expatriate voters.

It also offers details on special arrangements for voters with disabilities, senior citizens and women, as well as emergency instructions and key contact numbers.

Voters can report urgent election-related complaints, alerts or suggestions from any constituency by calling the “Election Friend” hotline at 333. Authorities say mechanisms are in place to ensure prompt and appropriate action.

No camps near polling stations

The Election Commission has also directed that all posters, leaflets and other campaign materials within this perimeter be removed before voting begins.

The move is intended to prevent any attempt to influence voters — whether to encourage or discourage them — on polling day.

Candidates, their agents and supporters are also prohibited from using vehicles to transport voters to polling stations.

The commission has warned that any breach of these rules will be treated as a violation of the electoral code of conduct and dealt with accordingly.

Postal ballot

For the first time, the Election Commission led by AMM Nasir Uddin has introduced IT-supported postal voting.

In this election, more than 1.52 million voters -- living overseas as well as within the country -- have been authorised to cast their votes through postal ballots.

Voting under this system opens from 7am on Thursday.

Through the “Postal Vote BD” app, expatriates, alongside three categories of voters inside the country, have registered to choose their candidates.

These include officials deployed on election duty, government employees working outside their home constituencies, and voters in legal custody (prisons) -- all of whom are eligible to vote by postal ballot.

Ballots that reach the returning officer’s office by 4:30pm on polling day, will be included in the count.

How to cast your vote

• Find your voter number, polling centre, and serial number in advance.

• Call 105 to obtain voter details and other necessary information, which can also be accessed through the “Smart Election Management” app.

• Keep your voter number with you when going to the polling station, or collect a voter slip beforehand.

• Be present at your designated polling station between 7:30am and 4:30pm.

• Voters must stand in line and wait for their turn.

• When called, the polling officer will verify your identity and mark your left thumb with indelible ink.

• An indelible ink mark will be applied to the thumb of your left hand.

• You will receive two ballot papers: a white ballot for the parliamentary election, and a pink one for the referendum.

• Each ballot will carry the official seal and signature of the authorised polling officer.

• Proceed to the secrecy booth and stamp the box next to the symbol of your chosen candidate.

• After stamping, fold the ballots carefully so the ink does not touch any other symbol, fold through the middle of the stamped symbol, and place both ballots in the ballot box.

Welcome to the live coverage

Welcome to bdnews24.com live blog as we deliver rolling coverage in real time of the parliamentary election and national referendum.

One and a half years after the July Uprising reshaped the country’s political landscape, voters are heading to the polls on Thursday to elect a new parliament and decide on a sweeping package of constitutional reforms.

Voting begins at 7:30am and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30pm.

The referendum seeks public approval for 48 constitutional reform proposals outlined in the July National Charter.

The Charter contains 84 reform points in total. The remaining proposals, those not requiring constitutional amendment, are expected to be implemented through legislation, ordinances, rules or executive orders, according to the National Consensus Commission.

Although Bangladesh has held three referendums in the past, this is the first to be conducted alongside a parliamentary election.

Polling is taking place in 299 constituencies, with 50 political parties participating. The Awami League of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina is absent after it was banned following the 2024 changeover.

Voting in Sherpur-3 has been postponed due to the death of a candidate and will be held on a revised date.

The main contest pits the BNP-led alliance against the 11-party coalition headed by Jamaat-e-Islami.

Sheikh Fariha Bristy, Shoumik Hassin and Syed Onindo will be bringing you the latest facts and context minute-by-minute.