Low voter turnout marks Dhaka city polls

An overall field assessment across polling stations in the capital indicates comparatively low voter turnout in Dhaka during the 13 national polls on Thursday, with election officials, voters and observers citing procedural unfamiliarity with the referendum ballot, absence of women voters and administrative discrepancies in voter rolls as contributory factors, according to on site observations by reporters who monitored centres throughout the day.

At Nawabpur Government High School centre in Kaptan Bazar, 70-year old voter Farida Khanam said, "I voted on a large piece of paper. I did not vote on a separate piece of paper. I just folded it and put it in. What will happen if I vote yes or no," reflecting confusion about referendum procedures. 
Presiding officer Lokman Hossain confirmed turnout was "very low in the first half." In the same locality voter Arif Akhter Shakib, with number 333, alleged disenfranchisement because although his national identity card and Election Commission app showed correct credentials, the centre list displayed another person's details. A BNP worker claimed "many names and photos are not available at this centre."

At Armanitola Government School complex comprising centres 76, 77, 78 and 79, polling agent presence was limited. Presiding Officer Mintu Kumar Roy said agents of paddy sheaf and jackfruit were present but "there are few Jamaat agents," while some rooms lacked BNP or Jamaat representatives. At Islamia High School centres in Chota Katara and Bara Katara, identified as high risk, Presiding Officer Towhid Kamiyab reported voting at 34.33% with "very low" female turnout despite visible supporter gatherings outside and strict security deployment.