Dhaka erupted in democratic fervor on Thursday as Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, cast his vote at around 10:20 AM in the 13th parliamentary elections at Gulshan Model High School and College. Emerging from the polling booth, Yunus addressed the eagerly waiting media, declaring this day as the ‘birthday of a new Bangladesh.’
With a beaming smile, Yunus described the occasion as one of immense joy, emphasizing that the nation has firmly left behind the nightmare of its troubled past. He urged every citizen to participate actively in both the parliamentary elections and the upcoming referendum, marking a fresh chapter in the country’s history. Adding to the festive spirit, he extended Eid greetings to the people.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, who also voted in Dhaka, expressed optimism about the smooth voting process underway. Speaking to reporters, he likened the elections to a festival gift for the nation, stating, ‘Bangladesh has boarded the train of democracy and will soon reach its destination.’ He drew parallels between the enthusiastic voters and families rushing home for Eid celebrations.
Nasir Uddin revealed that he had recently met dozens of international election observers and watchdog groups, all of whom were impressed by the Election Commission’s meticulous arrangements. Meanwhile, National Citizen Party (NCP) chief assistant Nasiruddin Patwari, running in alliance with Jamaat in Dhaka-8 constituency, visited polling stations and voiced satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere, despite alleging attacks on his supporters the previous night.
‘Voting is progressing well so far, with no incidents since morning,’ Patwari told reporters after inspecting Ramabag High School and College polling center. Confident of victory, he added, ‘My win here would be a win for Usman Hadi. People are voting for me as a tribute to him.’ The mention of Hadi evoked painful memories; the Inquilab Mancha spokesperson was assassinated in broad daylight in December 2025 by two motorcycle-borne assailants. Despite treatment in Singapore, Hadi succumbed to his injuries, sparking widespread arson and violence across Bangladesh.
As polls continue, the nation watches closely, hopeful for a stable democratic future free from the shadows of political assassinations and unrest. Yunus’s vision of a ‘new Bangladesh’ resonates strongly amid these historic elections.