Voting for the high-stakes 13th Parliamentary Elections concluded on Thursday. The voting began at 7.30 am and continued till 4.30 pm. According to the Bangladeshi Election Commission, over 47 per cent of voter turnout was recorded till 2 pm. However, the final numbers are yet to be released. The counting process began shortly after the voting concluded.
The polls were largely held peacefully except for isolated incidents of violence. A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader was killed in Khulna district, and injuries were reported in a separate incident in Gopalganj, according to local media. The incidents unfolded hours after polling began, even as authorities continued overseeing voting across 299 constituencies.
Both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance have expressed confidence of victory. According to early trends, BNP has taken lead on 50 seats, while Jamaat-led alliance was ahead in 18 seats. The final results are likely to be out by Friday, February 13.
BNP takes early lead, Jamaat trails
Tarique Rahman-led BNP has taken a big lead in early trends. According to local media reports, BNP is leading in 50 seats, followed by Jamaat in 18.
The Jatiya Sangsad (Bangladesh National Parliament), has 300 seats, with 151 required for a simple majority.
'Bangladesh polls a well-planned farce': Sheikh Hasina demands 'free, fair, and inclusive elections'
demanded "free, fair, and inclusive elections under a neutral caretaker government to restore the people’s voting rights." Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday termed the 13th Bangladesh National Parliament Elections a "well-planned farce", claiming that people of the country rejected "the Awami League–free election".
In statement shared by her Awami League, Hasina said that the "so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, was essentially a well-planned farce."
She also demanded "free, fair, and inclusive elections under a neutral caretaker government to restore the people’s voting rights."
Jamaat, BNP neck to neck in early trends as counting of votes progresses
Early trends showed Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP slugging it out almost neck to neck in Bangladesh’s landmark general elections on Thursday as counting progresses.
Polls closed in Bangladesh on Thursday in a direct contest between Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an 11-party alliance led by the resurgent Jamaat-e-Islami, after voting centers shut their gates at 4.30 pm.
Officials said early trends showed both parties were “neck to neck”, though situation would clear only when more trends were available.
While both parties blamed the other for “malpractices”, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, told newspersons, “Whether others accept the results or not, we will accept it, Insha Allah,” indicating he was hoping for a victory. READ MORE
BNP says its victory is certain
BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said, “There is a clear and huge difference between BNP and the rival political party. To resist that difference was the main purpose behind the violation of the code of conduct since last night."
Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance hopeful of 'landslide victory'
The alliance has described the voting process in the 13th parliamentary election as “excellent,” and expressed hopes of a “landslide victory”.
What Sheikh Hasina said on the Bangladesh elections
After voting concluded for the 13th Bangladesh National Parliament Election 2026, former PM Sheikh Hasina, whose party, Awami League, was barred from contesting the polls, said that the "extremely low turnout" of voters shows that people have rejected the elections.
“According to the Election Commission’s briefing, by 11 a.m. - just three and a half hours into voting - only 14.96% of eligible voters had participated. This extremely low turnout clearly shows that the Awami League–free election was widely rejected by the people,” Hasina said in a statement.
On Bangladesh elections, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We should wait for the outcome of the elections to see as to what sort of mandate has come out and thereafter we will look at issues that are there. On the election per se, you know what our position has been. We stand for a free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh."
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2021901845678170600
On Bangladesh elections, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We should wait for the outcome of the elections to see as to what sort of mandate has come out and thereafter we will look at issues that are there. On the election per se, you know what our position has been. We stand for a free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh."
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2021901845678170600
Voting concludes, counting begins
The voting for the 13th National Parliament Elections in Bangladesh concluded at 4.30 pm. The polls recorded a voter turnout of over 47 per cent till 2 pm and the final numbers could be higher than 50 per cent. The counting of votes has begun and the results are likely to be out by Friday, February 13.
Voting concludes, counting begins
The voting for the 13th National Parliament Elections in Bangladesh concluded at 4.30 pm. The polls recorded a voter turnout of over 47 per cent till 2 pm and the final numbers could be higher than 50 per cent. The counting of votes has begun and the results are likely to be out by Friday, February 13.
Jamaat alleges attacks and obstruction of voting
Jamaat-e-Islami alleged that its leaders, workers and supporters were prevented from voting and attacked in several parts of the country. Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair raised the allegations at a press conference.
He cited incidents in Barisal, Bhola-2 constituency, Comilla-8 constituency, and Hatia in Noakhali, claiming party agents were attacked and voters obstructed from reaching polling stations. The party said it had informed the administration and Election Commission, urging authorities not to take sides.
Cocktail bomb attack injures three in Gopalganj
A cocktail bomb attack at the Reshma International School polling station in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila left three people injured during voting. According to Sub-Inspector Jahidul Islam, the explosion occurred after miscreants threw cocktails from across a canal outside the centre.
Two on-duty Ansar members and a child accompanying a voter were injured in the blast, causing panic among voters at the polling station.
Police confirm tension at Khulna polling centre
Khulna Sadar Police Station Sub Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi said police intervened when tensions arose between the two parties at the polling station.
“When tension arose between the two parties, we immediately went to the spot and separated the two parties,” he said, confirming the incident at the centre.
BNP leader killed amid clashes at Khulna polling station
Violence erupted at several polling booths as voting continued across Bangladesh, with a BNP leader reported dead in Khulna district. Mohibuzzaman Kochi died at the Alia Madrasa polling station after tensions between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters escalated.
Citing eyewitnesses and police, local reports said the clash broke out near the Alia Madrasa Academic Building. Emergency Medical Officer Partha Roy confirmed that Kochi was brought dead to Khulna City Medical College Hospital.
BNP student wing accuses Jamaat of disruption
Zubair, a member of the BNP’s student wing, Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal, accused Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting to disrupt the voting process. He alleged that party workers were misleading voters and casting illegal votes.
“We are trying to control it, but the other large party, Jamaat-e-Islami, is trying to disrupt it,” he told ANI. He further claimed that Jamaat members were involved in criminal activities at voting centres.
Former BNP minister praises electoral process
Former BNP Minister Sarwari Rahman, after casting her vote, praised the conduct of polling. She told news agency ANI that the arrangements were well organised.
“Everything went very well, and everything is very organised... Women are voting freely... I am feeling very happy. After so many years, proper elections are taking place,” she said. Rahman also expressed hope that the results would lead to a functioning parliament.
Jamaat candidate alleges discrepancies in voting
Amid polling for the 13th Parliamentary Elections, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Khaleduz Zaman alleged discrepancies in voting at certain locations. Addressing mediapersons, he claimed irregularities in the polling process.
“The situation is not good because without a polling agent, in a separate room, someone is sealing the papers. It is totally disappointing. I have seen this in some places,” Zaman said. He added that such incidents could affect the party’s expectations in the election.
Jamaat candidate alleges discrepancies in voting
Amid polling for the 13th Parliamentary Elections, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Khaleduz Zaman alleged discrepancies in voting at certain locations. Addressing mediapersons, he claimed irregularities in the polling process.
“The situation is not good because without a polling agent, in a separate room, someone is sealing the papers. It is totally disappointing. I have seen this in some places,” Zaman said. He added that such incidents could affect the party’s expectations in the election.
Referendum on National Charter 2025 held simultaneously
In addition to the Parliamentary Elections, voters are deciding on the National Charter 2025 through a nationwide referendum. The 84-point reform package, drafted by the interim government, aims to guide future governance and strengthen institutional reforms.
Corruption, inflation, unemployment, and economic development remain key issues influencing voters, according to surveys cited in reports.
Massive security deployment across polling stations
The Election Commission has deployed nearly one million security personnel, marking the largest security operation in the country’s electoral history. More than half of polling stations have been flagged as high-risk, with around 90% under CCTV surveillance.
In Dhaka, many police officers are wearing body cameras. “Security arrangements have been planned according to local risk assessments,” Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah said at a briefing.
Tarique Rahman returns after 17 years, leads BNP campaign
The elections assume added significance with the return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile. Rahman became chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) following his mother Khaleda Zia’s death and is leading opinion polls ahead of the vote.
His principal rival is Jamaat-e-Islami, which has allied with the National Citizen Party (NCP), founded by former student leaders of the 2024 uprising.
Awami League barred; interim administration overseeing polls
Since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The interim government dissolved the Awami League last year and barred it from contesting the elections.
The country has now moved beyond the long-standing ‘Battle of Begums’ era, following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia in December last year.
Nearly 127 million voters casting ballots across Bangladesh
Nearly 127 million eligible voters are casting their ballots in Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Elections, 18 months after student-led protests toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The vote is being seen as one of the most consequential in the country’s recent history.
Voting began at 7:30 am and will continue until 4:30 pm, with counting set to begin immediately after polls close. Official results are expected on February 13.
Awami League barred; interim administration overseeing polls
Since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The interim government dissolved the Awami League last year and barred it from contesting the elections.
The country has now moved beyond the long-standing ‘Battle of Begums’ era, following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia in December last year.
Nearly 127 million voters casting ballots across Bangladesh
Nearly 127 million eligible voters are casting their ballots in Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Elections, 18 months after student-led protests toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The vote is being seen as one of the most consequential in the country’s recent history.
Voting began at 7:30 am and will continue until 4:30 pm, with counting set to begin immediately after polls close. Official results are expected on February 13.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus casts vote in Dhaka
Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, cast his vote in the 13th parliamentary elections at a polling centre in Dhaka. Visuals released by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing showed him arriving at the centre and completing the voting process amid security arrangements.
Yunus is leading the interim administration overseeing the elections and the simultaneous referendum on the National Charter reforms.
Calling the day a moment of national renewal, Yunus said, “This is a day of great joy. Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh.”
Referring to last year’s political upheaval, he added that the country had “rejected the past” and now had the opportunity to build anew. “Voting for a candidate is important, but the referendum is very important. The whole of Bangladesh will change,” he said.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus casts vote in Dhaka
Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, cast his vote in the 13th parliamentary elections at a polling centre in Dhaka. Visuals released by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing showed him arriving at the centre and completing the voting process amid security arrangements.
Yunus is leading the interim administration overseeing the elections and the simultaneous referendum on the National Charter reforms.
Calling the day a moment of national renewal, Yunus said, “This is a day of great joy. Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh.”
Referring to last year’s political upheaval, he added that the country had “rejected the past” and now had the opportunity to build anew. “Voting for a candidate is important, but the referendum is very important. The whole of Bangladesh will change,” he said.
Tarique Rahman vows to prioritise law and order
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman cast his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College and expressed confidence about his party’s prospects. Speaking after voting, Rahman said that if the BNP forms the government, restoring law and order would be a top priority.
“We will prioritise improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure if we can form the government,” he said. In a social media message, he urged citizens to vote peacefully and choose candidates freely, adding that elected representatives must remain accountable to the people.
Awami League calls polls a “sham”, warns of instability
As voting continues across Bangladesh, the Awami League has sharply criticised the Parliamentary Elections, describing them as a “sham” and a “farcical poll”. In a statement issued as polling began, the party appealed to the international community to intervene, warning that the country risks prolonged instability if the process is granted legitimacy.
The party alleged that its supporters and voters aligned with its ideology have faced intimidation, threats and violence, and claimed the election is designed to inflate turnout. It also accused the interim administration of influencing the referendum process, calling it an unconstitutional exercise.
BNP chief Tarique Rahman casts vote as polling gathers pace
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman cast his vote on Thursday as the country votes in the 13th parliamentary elections. His participation marks a significant moment in the political cycle, given his recent formal assumption of party leadership following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile, had formally taken over as BNP chairman on January 9. His return was widely seen as a major shift in the country’s political landscape ahead of the polls.
Senior BNP, Jamaat and NCP leaders cast ballots early
According to local reports, several key political leaders cast their votes in the early hours of polling. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir voted at Thakurgaon Government Girls' High School centre around 7:40 am.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Shafiqur Rahman cast his vote at Manipur High School centre at approximately 8:30 am. Leaders from multiple parties were seen arriving at polling centres amid tight security arrangements.
NCP convener expresses confidence, urges turnout
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, after casting his vote, said the party was on the verge of forming the government. He appealed to citizens to participate in the electoral process without fear.
“I have cast my first vote in life without any hassle. I urge everybody to cast their vote,” he told the media.
BNP supporter expresses confidence in party’s prospects
A supporter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) voiced optimism about the party’s chances in the election. “I am the supporter of BNP. I wish that BNP will win,” he said, adding that turnout in his area was expected to rise as the day progressed.
He also remarked that women voters appeared to be participating in large numbers and described the situation at the polling station as calm. Expressing support for BNP leader Tarique Rahman, he said many people were hoping to see him assume leadership if the party secures a strong mandate.
Woman voter says atmosphere ‘very nice’, process smooth so far
A voter in Dhaka said she was satisfied with the arrangements after casting her vote earlier in the day. “So far I am quite happy… I have already voted… the atmosphere was very nice for the women,” she said.
She added that she had come to the polling station with her mother and found the environment comfortable. “If they can maintain it throughout the day, it should be a pretty smooth process,” she noted.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh reacts to Bangladesh polls
Reacting to the ongoing elections in Bangladesh, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh in Kolkata said that people in the neighbouring country “want peace and development,” which India too hopes to see.
He added that conducting peaceful elections in Bangladesh remains “a very big challenge.” Ghosh expressed hope that the electoral process concludes smoothly, leading to the formation of a stable government.
First-time voter calls process smooth, well-organised
A voter in Dhaka said he felt “amazing” after casting his ballot for the first time, describing the voting process as smooth and hassle-free.
“I am feeling amazing because this is the first time in my life I have voted, and it's so easy because the ballots aren't causing any issues,” he said. He added that polling stations were arranged across different rooms based on voter numbers, helping manage the flow efficiently.
The voter noted that arrangements inside the centre appeared well organised so far, with no major confusion reported during the early hours of polling.
Voting begins across 299 constituencies
Polling is under way across 299 parliamentary constituencies and will continue until 4:30 pm. Counting is scheduled to begin shortly before voting concludes, with the Election Commission expected to announce official results on the morning of February 13.
Security presence is heavy. Authorities have deployed close to 958,000 personnel nationwide, including a large number of army personnel in sensitive areas. Officials have warned that any attempt at ballot box snatching or irregularities will invite strict action.
Long queues at Gulshan polling centre in Dhaka
Long queues were seen outside Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka shortly after polling began. Voters waited in orderly lines as security personnel monitored entry and exit points. The turnout in the early hours suggests strong participation, particularly in urban areas .Many voters appeared determined to cast their ballots before the afternoon rush.
“We haven’t been able to vote for years”: Voters speak
A voter in Dhaka said, “We are very excited because we haven’t been able to vote for the last 17 or 18 years. We would like to choose the appropriate candidate in this election. The atmosphere is quite pleasant. Security arrangements are good, and we can easily cast our vote.”
Another voter added, “People have come in large numbers to vote.” The sentiment at several polling booths reflects cautious optimism mixed with expectation.
Early voters call for corruption-free governance
One voter who arrived early in the morning said, “I came early this time, wishing to vote early. We’re hoping that the voting will be free and fair. Hopefully, we will see some good candidates and people who will work for the nation. We’ll have a corruption-free nation.”
Corruption, inflation, employment and economic development remain central issues shaping voter choices.
BNP, Jamaat among key contenders; Awami League absent
Fifty-one parties are contesting this election, with 1,981 candidates in the fray, including 249 independents. Major parties include the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party and factions of the Jatiya Party. The Awami League is not participating after its registration was suspended by the election commission. The party has criticised the electoral process and questioned the fairness of the polls.
Referendum on National Charter 2025 held alongside polls
Voters are also participating in a referendum on the National Charter 2025, drafted by the interim administration. The proposed reforms go beyond minor tweaks. The proposals include a two-term limit for the Prime Minister. They also aim to change how Parliament holds the government accountable.
For many voters, this vote feels bigger than just choosing a party. It feels like deciding the rules everyone will play by from now on.
Taken together, the election and the referendum could change how Bangladesh is run for years. Not only who sits in power, but also how that power is checked and balanced.