February 12 was a unique day in the history of Bangladesh. The 13th National Parliament election and the referendum on the July Charter were held simultaneously on this day. The Election Commission reported that 47.91 percent of the votes were cast in this voting festival that began at 7:30 am until 2:00 pm.
The government and the Election Commission said that the voting ended smoothly except for some isolated incidents across the country. However, there are some complaints. The hope of a new future has emerged in the speeches of various political leaders and security chiefs, starting from the chief advisor, regarding the vote.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said after casting his vote in the morning, Bangladesh has now boarded the train of democracy and it will reach its destination. There will be no more rigged elections in this country. We must forget the history of occupying centers and seizing ballot boxes. He also said, I am overwhelmed by the presence of women and young voters. People's confidence in voting will be restored through this election.
After casting his vote at the Gulshan Model High School center, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus said, "Today is a day of great joy in my life. From today, we have got the opportunity to create a new Bangladesh. We can celebrate this day as the birthday of the nation." He called on everyone to abandon the nightmarish past.
After voting with his family, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said, "If the vote is fair, we will accept the results. However, if there is confusion about the vote, the results will not be accepted." He alleged that an opposing party is trying to cause unwanted incidents, but no conspiracy will survive the spontaneity of the people.
Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "The people are not welcoming the new fascism." Even though there were incidents of center capture in some places like Comilla, the army took quick action. He praised the role of the armed forces in maintaining order.
After casting his vote at the Adamjee Cantonment School center, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said, "We have been waiting for this day for the last one and a half years. The environment is very favorable."
The Home Affairs Advisor said that the voting is going smoothly except for isolated incidents. Even if there are allegations of someone voting for someone else, the government has also promised to deny it and investigate if necessary.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said, "There were many rumors for the last six months. But today is a wonderful voting. In 2018, I returned from this center without voting, but this time I was able to vote."
EC Sanaullah said, "The arrest of people with money is not an alarming fact, but rather a message to criminals that no one will be spared."
EU Mission Head Evers Ijabs said, "We are seeing enough enthusiasm among voters till noon. We want a participatory and credible election."
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said at 1:15 pm that 32.88 percent of votes had been cast in 32,789 centers by 12 noon. However, some untoward incidents were reported in Meherpur and Hatia in Noakhali. BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin alleged that the opposition party is resorting to violence and violating the code of conduct in various places due to fear of defeat.
Finally, at around 3:30 pm, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that 47.91 percent of votes had been cast in 36,031 centers in the last seven and a half hours until 2:00 pm in the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum.
Earlier in the afternoon, independent candidate from Narayanganj-3 constituency, Professor Md. Rezaul Karim, made a formal announcement of boycotting the vote, alleging irregularities and corruption in the voting. In addition, allegations have been made against Presiding Officer Baki Billah of taking advance signatures on the result sheet at Nararkandi Government Primary School Center No. 84 in Rajoir Upazila of Madaripur-2 constituency. Following the complaint, the local administration has ordered immediate action against him. In addition, several unwanted incidents including isolated brawls, cocktail explosions, and fake votes have been reported in several areas including Sharankhola, Rajapur in Jhalakathi, Khaliajuri in Netrokona, Bhola, and Gopalganj. However, law enforcement agencies have taken quick action in most places.
The picture of this election is a little different than any other time. Voters voted in two different ballots. In one, they are electing members of parliament in their area, and in the other, they gave their verdict (yes or no) on the 'July Charter' to change the country's state structure.
According to the Election Commission, a total of 127.711,793 voters will be able to exercise their voting rights in this election. Of these, 64.825,361 are male voters, 62.885,200 are female voters, and 1,232 are third gender (hijra) voters.
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