BNP heads for big win
as of 3:50am; peaceful voting marks historic JS polls, referendum
The BNP is on course for a thumping win in the 13th national election, where millions of voters exercised their long-denied franchise in a festive and peaceful atmosphere yesterday.
According to unofficial results and the party’s own counts, the BNP and its allies were leading in 170 constituencies till the filing of this report at 3:30am today.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The party, which has been out of office for nearly two decades, was hopeful of securing more than a two-thirds majority with what it called “an overwhelming public mandate”.
“Based on the vote count received so far and detailed seat-wise information, we are very hopeful about this victory,” BNP Central Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin told journalists at 11:45pm yesterday.
The Jamaat-e-Islami -- once a close partner of the BNP -- and its allies made significant gains, claiming victory in 60 seats, according to the party’s own count posted on its verified Facebook page.
The National Citizen Party (NCP), born out of the student-led uprising and a partner of the Jamaat-led alliance, won six constituencies, said Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, chief of the party’s election steering committee, on his official verified Facebook page.
These unofficial results are based on tallies by political parties and data from returning officers. It was not clear whether postal ballots were taken into account.
The Election Commission was yet to announce official results as ballot counting was underway. It was declaring partial unofficial results of different seats. The commission also didn’t announce the overall turnout till 3:50am today.
Electoral workers sort ballots before counting votes, during the 13th general election in Dhaka, yesterday. Photo: Reuters
Top BNP leaders, including its Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, won their respective constituencies as per unofficial results.
Tarique, who returned to the country after 17 years in exile in the UK, has been elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6, according to unofficial results from the EC and party sources.
Among BNP standing committee members, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain won Cumilla-1; Mirza Abbas secured Dhaka-8; and Abdul Moyeen Khan won Narsingdi-2. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was elected from Chattogram-11, and Salahuddin Ahmed from Cox’s Bazar-1.
On the other hand, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher was leading the race in Cumilla-12, while Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam from Rangpur-2, and Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman from Dhaka-14 were ahead of their competitors in their respective constituencies.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam was leading the race in Dhaka-11, while Member Secretary Akhter Hossen from Rangpur-4, Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah from Cumilla-4, and Joint Convener Atik Mujahid from Kurigram-2 were ahead of their rivals, according to unofficial results.
The candidates entered the fray after 20 days of high-octane campaigning that swept across every corner of the country. This election saw a unique blend of seasoned political veterans and a new generation of vibrant leaders born out of the student-led uprising.
Yesterday, thousands of men and women -- some on crutches or in wheelchairs -- queued patiently for hours at polling centres across the country. They stood without fear, reclaiming the opportunity to choose representatives for 299 of the 300 parliamentary seats.
The presence of women voters was overwhelming, with many arriving in groups, reflecting broad participation that cut across age and gender.
Alongside electing a new parliament widely seen as critical to the country’s democratic transition after years of political turmoil, voters took part in a referendum on constitutional reforms -- two votes were held simultaneously for the first time in the nation’s history.
As of the last count, “Yes” got 215,579 votes while “No” received 80,203 votes.
The parliamentary election, held 18 months after an unprecedented student‑led uprising toppled the Awami League government, reflected the interim government’s commitment to delivering a free, fair and transparent election.
The voter turnout was 47.91 percent till 2:00pm, according to the EC data from 36,031 out of 42,651 polling centres across the country.
The AL has been barred from contesting the election for its role in the brutal crackdown that claimed at least 1,400 lives.
Unlike the previous polls marred by deadly clashes, arson attacks and sweeping allegations of irregularities, yesterday’s vote saw only sporadic and low-intensity incidents. Reports of violence were few and far between, and allegations of fake voting appeared minimal compared to past experiences.
Meanwhile, at least eight people, including a presiding officer and a polling officer, died after falling ill inside or near polling stations during voting hours in seven districts.
The country was draped in a security blanket, with members of the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies guarding and patrolling polling stations to prevent any untoward incidents.
Inside the centres, the EC kept the management orderly and efficient, ensuring a steady and calm flow of voters throughout the day. Outside, colourful election buntings strung across roads and walkways fluttered in the breeze, adding a festive touch that matched the spirit of the occasion.
The scenes remained largely consistent throughout the day -- from the start of the polling at 7:30am to the end at 4:30pm. While turnout was low in the early hours, it gradually picked up, with long queues forming at some centres by midday.
The distinctly calm, festive mood of the election remained intact despite instances of mismanagement reported in some polling centres in the capital and elsewhere. A few voters were left disheartened when they discovered their ballots had already been cast in their names.
Young voters, making up 43.56 percent of the 12.10 crore electorate, showed up in droves, their eyes bright with excitement as they searched for their serial numbers, eager to cast their ballots.
The first‑time voters were especially enthusiastic, holding up ink‑marked thumbs as badges of honour to show they had taken part in shaping the nation’s future.
Many of them, having seen their rights curtailed in previous elections, cheered with relief and pride after finally exercising their franchise.
“It feels great to vote for the first time. I am happy to cast my vote peacefully,” said Nusrat Ahmed Sneha, a first-time voter from Dhaka-6.
“We want a government that prioritises young people and works for the welfare of the country,” she said.
After casting ballots at Kalyanpur Girls’ School and College, Rafiqul Islam, a 26-year-old voter, said, “This is the first vote I’ve been able to cast. Over the past decade, I didn’t feel the situation was right.
“I want a leader who represents the country with dignity. We are tired of conflict -- we want stability and progress. Whoever forms the government should strengthen our country’s global standing,” he said.
Another voter, Asha Akter, expressed satisfaction with the orderly environment inside the polling centre.
“Earlier, there used to be irregularities in voting, but this time I did not see that. I hope whichever party comes to power will be women‑friendly,” she said.
Sammi Akter Nitol, a resident of Dhaka’s Gandaria area, said she felt relieved to be able to vote after a long gap.
“Over the past 17 years, we were deprived of our voting rights. It feels very good to vote today. I want a government that is free from corruption and extortion,” she said.
Social media was flooded with posts of people of different ages, especially the young, proudly displaying their ink‑marked thumbs, sharing selfies and short videos with captions about their first vote.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described the election and referendum as a moment of national joy and renewal.
“This is a day of great joy. Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh. We will celebrate this birthday throughout the day,” he told reporters after casting his vote at 10:26am at Gulshan Model High School and College.
Later, he extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the entire nation.
“The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible conduct of political parties, the restraint shown by candidates, and the professionalism of all institutions involved in the electoral process collectively demonstrated that our commitment to democracy remains unwavering,” he said in a statement issued by his press wing after voting concluded at 4:30pm.
After casting his vote at Adamjee Cantonment College polling centre, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said he had been waiting for this day for the past one and a half years, hoping for a fair election.
Calling upon voters to cast their ballots without fear, he said, “Today is a very important day for us.”
The army chief also praised the role of media personnel, noting that they play a vital role in informing the public about the situation.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman appeared confident of victory after casting his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College in Gulshan-2.
“If we form the government, we will prioritise improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure.
“I have exercised my constitutional right to vote. For more than a decade, the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day,” he said.
Later, Tarique briefed reporters at the party chairman’s office in Gulshan, and said, “If the election is free and fair without any controversy, then why would we not accept it? Of course, we will accept it. All parties will accept it. But there is one condition here. The election must be neutral and peaceful.”
At a press conference, the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance described the voting process as “excellent,” expressing hope of securing a “landslide victory” and the “highest number” of seats. It, however, raised allegations of some isolated incidents of violence and irregularities.
Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman was optimistic that his party would form the government through the voters’ mandate.
“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.” he told reporters after casting his ballot around 8:30am at the Monipur High School and College polling centre.
“Through this vote, we hope to see the formation of a government that does not belong to any individual, family, or party, but to the 18 crore people of this country,” he said.
However, in a post on his verified Facebook page at 3:50pm, Shafiqur alleged that attempts were being made to cast fake votes in different parts of the country.
Comments