Voting is progressing in a festive and largely peaceful atmosphere across several polling centres in Keraniganj, with steady voter turnout and reports of close contests among major candidates.
At Dakpara Government Primary School, around 45 percent of votes had been cast by 1:00 PM, according to polling officials.
A tight race is anticipated among candidates backed by BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and “Hand Fan” symbol.
BNP polling agent Sadikur expressed satisfaction with the environment, saying, “This is the kind of voting atmosphere we hoped for.” Jamaat’s agent also voiced satisfaction over the situation inside the centre.
Among the voters was 80-year-old Fatema, who arrived leaning on her daughter for support. Hard of hearing and frail, she said she could not remember the last time she voted in such an environment.
She admitted she does not fully understand the concept of a referendum but cast her ballot as instructed by her son. Her hope from the elected government is simple: to ensure peaceful coexistence among all citizens.
At Konakhola Model Government Primary School, one of the polling centres in Dhaka-2 constituency, three candidates are contesting: Aman Ullah Aman of BNP, retired Colonel Md Abdul Haque of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Zahirul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh.
Presiding Officer Mamun Mia said that 50 percent of votes had been cast by 2:00 PM and no untoward incidents had occurred.
Prantiya, a college student voting for the first time, described the experience as thrilling. She said she had learned about “July Charter” online and hopes its commitments will be implemented.
She also expressed her desire to see the authentic history of the Liberation War upheld.
Meanwhile, at Rajendrapur Paschimdi Model High School, voting concluded peacefully, with a 60 percent turnout recorded by 2:00 PM, according to Presiding Officer Mohammad Kuddus.
He noted that many voters were unfamiliar with the concepts of “yes” and “no” votes, requiring polling officers to spend additional time explaining the process. Otherwise, turnout could have been even higher within that timeframe.
The officer confirmed that no major incidents occurred, although one voter fell ill during the process. An ambulance was promptly arranged, and the voter received treatment before returning to cast his ballot and go home safely.
Nuruzzaman, a voter recently returned from abroad, said he cast his vote for the first time despite having had a national ID card for years.
He expressed hope that democratic practices would continue in the country, fostering a just society and ensuring coexistence for all.
SH
