Feb 12, 2026: b>Voting in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and the 2026 constitutional referendum concluded at 4:30 pm on Thursday, bringing to a close a day-
long nationwide exercise involving millions of voters. Ballot counting began immediately after polling ended across 299 constituencies, with results expected to be announced sequentially by returning officers.
Polling began at 7:30 am in more than 36,000 centers set up across the country. Election officials stated that voters who were waiting in line at the official closing time were permitted to cast their ballots in line with electoral rules.
Over 120 Million Voters Eligible
According to the Election Commission, more than 120 million registered voters were eligible to participate in both the parliamentary election and the constitutional referendum. Authorities reported steady turnout throughout the day.
Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said turnout reached 47.91 percent by 2:00 pm across 36,031 polling stations.
Earlier figures showed 32.88 percent turnout by noon at 32,789 centers. Final turnout data will be released after the completion of counting.
In several urban centers, including parts of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, voters formed long queues during the morning hours, while some rural areas reported moderate participation. Women and first-time young voters were seen actively casting ballots in many constituencies.
Main Contesting Parties and Political Landscape
The election features major competition among the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies, Jamaat-e-Islami–aligned blocs, newly formed reform-oriented alliances, and several independent candidates.
Notably, the Awami League — which had dominated Bangladesh’s political landscape for over a decade — did not participate in the election. The party’s absence marks a significant shift in the country’s political dynamics and has reshaped the competitive field in many constituencies.
Political observers describe the election as one of the most consequential in recent history, given the reconfiguration of alliances and the transitional context following the July mass uprising.
Key Leaders Cast Their Votes
Senior political leaders cast their ballots in their respective constituencies earlier in the day.
BNP leaders voted in Dhaka and other traditional strongholds, urging supporters to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Leaders of emerging political platforms also cast their votes publicly, emphasizing reform and democratic transition.
Election officials reported that voting by prominent candidates and party chiefs proceeded without major disruption.
Isolated Incidents and Security Measures While the overall environment remained largely peaceful, isolated incidents were reported in two districts, including crude bomb explosions. At least four individuals reportedly died after falling ill during voting hours.
There were also allegations of attempted ballot fraud, removal of polling agents, and slow voting at certain centers.
The Election Commission stated that complaints are being reviewed and assured that legal action would follow if any violations are confirmed.
Law enforcement agencies, including police and auxiliary forces, were deployed nationwide to maintain security, with additional measures in areas previously identified as sensitive.
Constitutional Referendum: A Defining Issue
Alongside the parliamentary vote, citizens participated in a nationwide referendum on proposed fundamental constitutional reforms.
Voters were asked to choose either “Yes” or “No” on a package of amendments aimed at restructuring key governance provisions.
The referendum addresses issues related to institutional balance, executive authority, and electoral accountability.
If approved, the reforms are expected to bring significant structural changes to the Constitution and potentially alter the framework of future elections and governance.
Observers note that the referendum adds historic weight to this election, as it may redefine the country’s political architecture beyond the immediate formation of a new parliament.
Attention Turns to Results
The vote comes approximately one and a half years after the July mass uprising that reshaped the national political landscape.
The formation of a fully elected government through this process is widely viewed as a pivotal step toward institutional stabilization.
Domestic and international observers are monitoring the counting process closely. Preliminary reactions have described the voting atmosphere as generally orderly, pending final verification and official results.
With counting underway, attention now shifts to the outcome — which will determine not only the composition of the next parliament but also the future direction of constitutional reform in Bangladesh.
No comments: