Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) northern chief organiser and the 11-party alliance candidate for Panchagarh-1, Sarjis Alam, cast his vote at the Bamankumar Rakhaldebihat Ideal High School polling centre in Atwari Upazila on Thursday morning.
He was accompanied by his father, Akhtaruzzaman, and brother, Shahadat Hossain Shakib, who also cast their votes at the centre.
Voter presence was noticeable from early morning, with long lines forming in a festive and peaceful atmosphere. Sarjis Alam exchanged greetings with voters outside the centre before entering to cast his ballot.
After voting, Sarjis Alam told reporters, “We cast our vote today in a celebratory mood for the 11-party united Bangladesh symbol, the Shapla flower bud, and for a ‘Yes’ in the referendum. We voted with hope for change in Bangladesh, honouring thousands of martyrs. I hope the voting process remains fair until the end. We must trust the people’s choice, and we expect professional conduct from all involved in polling. If all political parties show generosity, a fair election is possible.”
He also warned against attempts to influence voters using power, saying, “No one will be allowed to win through intimidation. Our trust is in the people. Citizens have seen who has oppressed them over the past one and a half years and will vote accordingly. With fair voting, the 11-party alliance will secure victory in every polling centre of Panchagarh-1.”
Six other candidates, including BNP-nominated Barrister Naushad Zamir, are contesting the Panchagarh-1 constituency.
According to official sources, Panchagarh district has two constituencies, with a total of 286 polling centres. Panchagarh-1 has 4,58,807 registered voters, while Panchagarh-2 has 4,14,356.
SIS/NSA
