The 13th parliamentary election and referendum in 16 constituencies in Chittagong concluded peacefully on Thursday amid festive atmosphere and tight security.
Voting began at 7:30am at all 1,965 centers and continued until 4:30pm without any break. There were no untoward incidents reported, and the polls had a positive impact on voters, with high enthusiasm and turnout.
Returning Officer Zahidul Islam Miah stated that the overall polls were conducted fairly and peacefully. He mentioned that voters cast their votes with enthusiasm and joy. He stated that the voting process began and ended peacefully, reports BSS.
Divisional Commissioner Dr Mohammad Ziauddin said that the situation was good at 7:30am and the voting proceeded smoothly until 4:30pm without any interruption.
Voters were able to reach the polling centers and return home safely after casting their votes.
Adequate law enforcement personnel from BGB, RAB, police, and Ansars were stationed at the polling centers to ensure a peaceful voting process.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah expressed his gratitude to the voters for participating in the election in a festive atmosphere. He visited polling stations in different upazilas of the district and thanked the voters for peacefully exercising their right to vote.
From metropolitan neighborhoods to remote and hard-to-reach villages, a vibrant and festive atmosphere prevailed across Chittagong as voters turned out in large numbers to cast their ballots in the election.
Defying the cold weather and dense morning fog, voters from all walks of life began heading towards their respective polling stations well before the formal start of voting at 7:30am. Voters were seen standing in long queues at many centers in both the city and rural areas.
A visit to several polling stations across different constituencies revealed a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere centering the much-anticipated polls. Young voters, elderly citizens and women were seen standing patiently in queues, many engaging in light conversations as they awaited their turn.
Many young voters expressed satisfaction after exercising their franchise in what they described as a peaceful and festive atmosphere.
During visits to polling centers under Chittagong-15 (Satkania-Lohagara), Chittagong-14 (Chandanaish-Satkania part) and Chittagong-13 (Patiya), polling agents of major candidates were seen inside voting rooms, while supporters and volunteers of rival contenders operated temporary camps outside in a cordial manner.
Mohammad Mohiuddin, Presiding Officer of Purba Gatiadenga Habibul Ulum Dakhil Madrasha center, said voting began on time in a peaceful environment with the deployment of 15 members of law enforcement agencies.
“Of the total 1,831 voters in this center, around 20 votes were cast at one booth within the first half hour,” he said, adding that voting was taking slightly longer as voters had to seal two separate ballot papers - one for the parliamentary polls and another for the referendum.
At Demsha Alamgir Primary School center, Presiding Officer Debashis Bhattachariya expressed satisfaction over the orderly situation. “Around 400 out of 3,810 votes in seven booths were cast up to 8:35am. The situation is quite good and the presence of voters, particularly female voters, is significant,” he said.
