News Desk
DHAKA: The leader of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, called on party workers to remain alert and steadfast while monitoring polling stations until election results are announced. Speaking on the social media platform X, he alleged attempts at ballot fraud in various parts of the country and urged citizens to safeguard their right to vote.
“Today is your day of victory. Today is your day of freedom,” Dr Rahman said. “Some may try to take away what is rightfully yours. Do not allow them. This is the injustice we have fought against for the past 17 years, and we must not let it resurface.” He encouraged supporters to stay calm, record anything unusual, and preserve it for history.
By midday, voter turnout at the country’s 36,000 polling stations was recorded at 47.91%, with further increases expected. In the capital Dhaka, participation lagged behind expectations, partly because the former ruling Awami League was barred from contesting, keeping some of its supporters away from polling stations.
The elections are taking place for Bangladesh’s 300 parliamentary seats, with an additional 50 reserved for women. According to the Bangladesh Election Commission, over 127 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots, nearly 44% of whom are young people. Security measures across the country were intensified to ensure voting proceeded peacefully.
The political landscape remains dynamic, with 51 registered parties and 1,732 candidates contesting alongside 249 independents. A coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami, comprising 11 parties, is actively campaigning for the support of young voters associated with the recent political changes.
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