Dhaka, Feb 12 (.) Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), cast his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College in Gulshan-2 on Thursday, expressing hope that the long-awaited election would restore the people’s democratic rights.
Saying that Bangladeshis had been waiting for more than a decade for the opportunity to vote freely, Rahman urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to thwart any “conspiracy” and strengthen democracy.
“I have exercised my constitutional right to vote. For more than a decade, the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day,” Rahman said.
He acknowledged receiving reports of “undesirable incidents” in some areas overnight but expressed confidence in law enforcement agencies. “If people across Bangladesh come out throughout the day and exercise their right to vote, any conspiracy can be thwarted. I am hopeful — firmly hopeful,” he said.
BNP had boycotted the last general elections in 2024. Rahman had been living in exile before returning to the country last year. He formally assumed office as BNP Chairperson on January 9, following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia.
Rahman said that if voted to power, his party would prioritise women’s empowerment. “Half of Bangladesh’s population is women. We cannot move forward by leaving this half behind. If we are able to form the government, In sha Allah, we will begin working on this from the very first day,” he said.
Earlier, in a Facebook post, Rahman urged citizens to vote in a peaceful and festive atmosphere and to choose candidates of their preference to “establish your rights and ownership over the state.”
According to local media reports, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir were among the prominent leaders who cast their votes on Thursday. All the national leaders urged citizens to participate in the 13th general election and the referendum on the July National Charter actively and seriously.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus cast his vote at 10:25 AM at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Dhaka.
Voting started at 7:30 AM simultaneously in 299 constituencies across the country and end at 4:30 PM. The Election Commission said counting will begin immediately after polls close, with official results expected on the morning of February 13.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman cast his ballot at the Monipur High School and College polling centre in Dhaka. Speaking to reporters, he said his party would accept the election results only if the vote was conducted in a free and fair manner.
“If the voting is held in a free and fair manner, we will accept the results. Others should also accept the verdict of the people,” Rahman said, urging voters to turn out in large numbers and stressing that respecting the people’s will is fundamental to democracy.
Rahman said he had been unable to vote in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections as he was in jail at that time. “After missing three consecutive elections, Alhamdulillah, Allah has given us the chance to vote today,” he said, expressing hope that the polls would mark a new chapter for Bangladesh.
He called for neutrality in the electoral process and urged media outlets to report responsibly. Rahman also highlighted the participation of first-time young voters, describing the election as historic. Other leaders of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance echoed his remarks, saying the credibility of the process was more important than victory.
Nearly 127 million eligible voters in Bangladesh are casting their ballots on Thursday in the 13th parliamentary elections, 18 months after student-led protests toppled long-time leader Sheikh Hasina.
The elections are regarded as one of the most consequential in Bangladesh’s recent history, with the outcome likely to determine the country’s political direction after years of unrest and instability.
A total of 51 political parties are participating in the elections, including smaller parties such as factions of the Jatiya Party, the Left Democratic Alliance, and the Amar Bangladesh Party.
Out of the 1,981 candidates contesting, 249 are independents.
In addition to the parliamentary elections, voters will also decide on the National Charter 2025 in a nationwide referendum. The 84-point reform package, drafted by the interim government, aims to guide future governance and strengthen institutional reforms in Bangladesh.
Corruption remains the top concern for voters, according to a recent survey conducted by the Communication Research Foundation and Bangladesh Elections and Public Opinion Studies. Bangladesh consistently ranks low on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, reflecting widespread frustration over graft and weak governance. Other pressing issues include inflation, unemployment, and economic development. . . KK