Voting for the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum ended Thursday, with the counting process beginning shortly afterward.
The election was largely peaceful and took place in a festive atmosphere, despite a few isolated incidents. Four people were reported dead in separate incidents, and some political parties lodged complaints about the process.
Voting began at 7:30 a.m. in 299 parliamentary constituencies and continued uninterrupted until 4:30 p.m. Citizens cast ballots to establish an elected government more than a year after the fall of the Awami League government in the July mass uprising.
Voters also participated in a referendum on proposed constitutional reforms. If approved, the changes would mark the start of fundamental reforms in Bangladesh’s constitution.
Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus cast his vote at Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka, calling the day “the birthday of the new Bangladesh” and “a day of liberation.” Yunus congratulated the public and wished everyone “Eid Mubarak.”
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin voted at Eskaton Garden High School in Dhaka, saying the country had “boarded the democratization train” and expressing confidence that democracy would prevail.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman cast his vote at Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka-17, expressing optimism about his party’s victory. He said BNP would accept the results if the election was free and neutral.
Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman voted at Manipur High School, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and fair election that represents all 180 million Bangladeshis.
Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam cast his vote at AKM Rahmatullah College in Beraid. He said the 11-party alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami aims to form the next government and expressed confidence in their prospects.
Four people died during voting. Razzak Mia, 55, reportedly died after being chased by law enforcement in Bhairab, Kishoreganj. Md. Manu Mia, 57, died after falling ill at a polling center in Chittagong.
