BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman cast his vote in the 13th national parliamentary election at the Gulshan Model High School and College centre in the capital on Thursday morning.
He arrived at the centre around 9:30am and exercised his vote. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, accompanied him.
After casting his vote, Tarique spoke to journalists at the polling centre.
He is contesting from two constituencies—Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6—in the election. Tight security measures have been put in place across the country, including in the capital, centring on polling stations.
Urging voters to participate in large numbers, Tarique said: “The people of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day for a long time. Today, the people have regained their rights.”
He added that he had received reports of “undesirable incidents” from different parts of the country on Wednesday night. “If people turn up at polling centres in large numbers, any conspiracy can be thwarted,” he said.
Expressing hope for victory, the BNP chief said that if elected, improving the law and order situation would be a priority.
He also said that voting is the primary means through which people exercise their power in a democratic process and expressed hope that the election would be held in a peaceful and fair environment, reflecting the people’s verdict.
Meanwhile, voters were seen at different polling centres in the capital since morning. The Election Commission said voting began at 7:30am as scheduled and will continue until 4pm.
