Chattogram: Voting in the 13th parliamentary election and referendum began peacefully across Chattogram city and district this morning, creating a festive atmosphere and ensuring tight security measures. Polling commenced at 7:30 am at all 1,965 centers across 16 constituencies, as confirmed by election officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, large numbers of voters, including women and young people, were seen queuing in front of polling centers well before the official start of voting. Returning Officer Mohammad Zahedul Islam Meah informed journalists that voting was proceeding in a peaceful and lively atmosphere, with enthusiastic participation from voters.
Law enforcement agencies were deployed in significant numbers to prevent any disturbances, with both stationary and mobile teams maintaining vigilance around polling centers. The election control room reported that voting was progressing smoothly, with no reports of unpleasant incidents as of 10:00 am.
Professor Kabir Hossain, the Presiding Officer of Kazem Ali High School polling center in the Chattogram-9 (Kotowali-Bakalia) constituency, confirmed that voting began on time and in a peaceful setting, with a notable voter turnout. By 8:30 am, 321 out of 5,163 registered voters had cast their ballots at this center.
Similarly, Professor Muhibullah, Presiding Officer of Dr Khastogir High School polling center, also in the Chattogram-9 constituency, reported an increasing voter turnout, with 226 out of 4,087 voters casting their votes by 8:45 am. Polling agents of major candidates were present at the centers.
Several prominent candidates participated in the voting process early in the morning. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, contesting from Chattogram-11, cast his vote at Uttar Kattoli Munsipara Government Primary School. Other notable candidates, including BNP central leader Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and City unit BNP President Ershadullah, also exercised their franchise at their respective polling centers.
LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed and Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shahjahan Chowdhury were among the early voters at their respective polling locations. Meanwhile, significant queues of voters were observed at Purba Gatiadanga Habibul Ulum Dakhil Madrasa and Purba Gatiadanga Hungarmukh Government Primary School in Satkania upazila.
The Presiding Officer of the Habibul Ulum Dakhil Madrasa center stated that voting began promptly at 7:30 am, with voters arriving much earlier. Security at the center was reinforced with the presence of two armed police personnel and 13 Ansars, including female members. The center had four polling booths allocated for male and female voters.
Reports from the District Police and Chattogram Metropolitan Police control rooms indicated that the overall law and order situation remained peaceful, with no incidents reported as of 9:00 am.