BNP Standing Committee Member and candidate for Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency Salahuddin Ahmed. File photoCOX’S BAZAR, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee Member and candidate for Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency Salahuddin Ahmed cast his vote at the Pekua GMC Institute centre in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday. Speaking to reporters after voting, Salahuddin expressed his satisfaction and emotion over participating in the election. He voiced confidence in the support of the electorate, stating that the people of the constituency have repeatedly elected him in the past. Salahuddin also said he had waited 17 years for such an opportunity where voters could cast their ballots freely in a festive atmosphere.

Four jailed over poll violence in GazipurGAZIPUR, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - A Kapasia mobile court today has jailed four alleged people for two years over election-related violence. The court found the individuals guilty of involvement in political clashes and the destruction of an election camp near the polling center. However, voting in the 13th National Parliamentary Election ended peacefully across Gazipur's five constituencies today, with festive voter turnout at most centres. Voters of all ages turned out spontaneously at nearly all of the district's 935 polling centres, with women outnumbering men. According to the district election office, Gazipur has 2,738,252 voters -- 1,364,349 male and 1,373,869 female.

Dream of July martyrs set to be realized through peaceful polls: Adviser FarukLiberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam Bir Protik. File photoCHATTOGRAM, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam Bir Protik today expressed deep satisfaction over the unprecedented festivity and enthusiasm during the opening hours of the 13th parliamentary elections and referendum. "The supreme sacrifices made by our valiant sons, especially the younger generation during July Uprising, will become successful and meaningful through such a participatory and peaceful election." He said the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus has sincerely sought to hold the long-awaited national election in a free, fair, peaceful and festive atmosphere. "Now the government's sole objective is being realized with the cooperation of all, including the Election Commission, political parties, administration, law enforcement agencies and the people as a whole," he added.

Bagerhat, February 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting has started in a festive mood across the four parliamentary constituencies of Bagerhat this morning, with a strong turnout at polling stations since dawn. The district has 13,61,109 registered voters, including 6,82,737 men and 6,78,358 women, spread over 547 polling stations. Law enforcement agencies have deployed strict security, and no untoward incident has been reported so far. Mahin, a third-year student at PC College, said, "I hope to restore sustainable democracy by voting for the first time". Long queues and active participation are seen as a reflection of public trust in the democratic process.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. File photoDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS)- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the 13th national election is one of the good elections in the country's history in any standard. The CEC said, “If you judge, it can be considered a pretty good election. We promised to present an election in a festive atmosphere. We promised to present a completely neutral and credible election to the nation and we do believe we have achieved it.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Thursday that the party will accept the election outcome if the current trend of voting continues. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s main election office for Dhaka-15 at 7pm, located at C Lounge Restaurant, Shafiqur said: “The preliminary results of the election have begun to appear. In most areas, the preliminary results show us leading. If we come to power, their opportunities and benefits will be increased.”The Jamaat ameer also expressed appreciation for journalists, saying, “Journalists have cooperated with us, and we are grateful to them. We will maintain good relations with countries we have positive ties with and, with an open mind, ensure that everyone receives their due.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke at a press briefing today. "Jamaat would seek cooperation from all parties in forming and running the government if elected. Highlighting the participation of expatriate voters, Dr. Rahman welcomed the inclusion of probashi Bangladeshis in the electoral process, though their number was still limited. The Jamaat Ameer called for responsible and independent media, saying constructive criticism would help any future government correct its mistakes. Dr. Rahman said if elected, he would work with all candidates in his constituency, including his rivals, to ensure development and welfare.

Photo : BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The participation of women voters wasnoticeably high at almost all polling centers in Rajshahi. From the morning, a higher presence of women voters compared to men wasobserved at various polling stations. Among the constituencies, Rajshahi-1 recorded 45 percent turnout, Rajshahi-2recorded 45 percent, Rajshahi-3 recorded 44 percent, Rajshahi-4 recorded 49percent, Rajshahi-5 recorded 48 percent, and Rajshahi-6 recorded 46 percent. Visits to various polling centers in the district and metropolitan areasrevealed that women voters outnumbered men. Presiding Officer Moharam Ali Khan said that the presence of women voters hadbeen satisfactory since morning, with women outnumbering men.

Law enforcement agencies strengthened security around polling centers across the country after voting concluded on Thursday afternoon, moving political party activists and supporters away from the immediate vicinity. Shortly after polling ended at the scheduled time, members of the forces assigned to maintain law and order instructed individuals gathered near polling stations to disperse. The Bangladesh Army, police, and other law enforcement agencies maintained a vigilant presence in and around several polling centers, including New Model Degree College in Dhanmondi. In most areas, activists and supporters were seen relocating a short distance from polling centers. Officials said the measures were taken to strengthen security in and around polling stations until the announcement of the election results.

I went halfway across Dhaka, in a rickshaw, spending way too much money, to my polling centre. In fact, if I were being perfectly honest, regardless of who wins, I am not exactly hopeful. Yet, the fact that I did vote, and went out of my way to vote, must mean something. However, for millions like us, even for the jaded cynics such as myself, February 12 offered at least a glimpse of what a functional democracy could be as far as elections are concerned. And that is reason enough for hope, if only momentarily.

In a welcome occurrence, not a single person was killed in election-related violence on polling day of the 13th national parliamentary election on Thursday. This is the first time since 1991 that polling day of a parliamentary or general election has passed without fatalities due to electoral violence. In Khulna, Mahibuzzaman Kochi, a former BNP leader, died following a scuffle at a polling centre. In Chittagong, 62-year-old Md Monu Mia fell sick at a centre in Kazir Dewri before breathing his last. In Bhairab of Kishoreganj, Razzak Mia, 67, fell sick and died after arriving at his designated polling centre to cast his vote.

However, when she entered the voting booth, polling officials informed her that her vote had already been cast. The assistant presiding officer later assured Shaheda that she would be allowed to vote. Speaking after voting, Shaheda said: “I have cast my vote, but it was kept separately and not placed in the ballot box. Responding to the incident, the assistant presiding officer told Dhaka Tribune that the matter occurred inadvertently. The presiding officer confirmed that Shaheda’s vote was sealed in a separate envelope and would be sent to the Election Commission as per instructions.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakfrul Islam Alamgir today cast his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls High School. Photo : BSSTHAKURGAON, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakfrul Islam Alamgir today cast his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls High School Centre after offering prayers at the grave of his parents. Later, he talked to local journalists and said, “A new journey of democracy has begun. We hope they will be defeated.”Expressing optimism about their victory, the BNP Secretary General said, “We will win under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Good governance and a smooth democratic system will be established in the country.”

Akhter Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission (EC) secretariat spoke to journalists at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting turnout reached 32.88 percent by 12 pm today as voters exercised their rights smoothly and spontaneously across polling centers during the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. Akhter Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission (EC) secretariat, confirmed the figure while speaking to journalists at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon. "We have received reports from 32,789 polling centers out of 42,651, and the voting rate at these centers is 32.88 percent," he said. The senior secretary thanked voters for their enthusiastic participation and urged everyone to cast their votes promptly upon arrival at polling centers.

Rivals share smiles and friendly chats, showing respect beyond political competition. Photo : BSSNarsingdi, 12 Feb 2026 (BSS)- A different scene of camaraderie was witnessed in the electoral race of Narsingdi-1 (Sadar) constituency as three rivalcandidates were seen engaging in friendly conversation and light-hearted banter. The scene was observed around 9:30 am today at the field of Rajadi High School in Narsingdi sadar upazila, drawing the attention of voters andsupporters present there. Despite electoral rivalry, the display of mutual respect and warmth among the candidates attracted public attention. Amid the busy campaign schedule, the candidates' amiable interaction has sparked positive discussions in the area.