Dhaka erupted in a mix of democratic fervor and chaos as Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections wrapped up on Thursday. Voters across 299 constituencies flocked to 42,659 polling stations under tight security, casting ballots from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Yet, the day was marred by widespread violence and shocking allegations of harassment against female polling agents.
Election officials reported a robust turnout, with 48% of eligible voters participating by 2 PM. A staggering 127,298,522 people were registered, including 64,620,077 men, 62,677,232 women, and 1,213 third-gender voters. One race in Sherpur-3 was postponed following a candidate’s death, leaving 299 seats contested out of a possible 300.
Independent candidate Tasnim Zara, running in Dhaka-9, sounded the alarm on systemic barriers at polling centers. After visiting Khilgaon Model College, she told reporters that her agents, particularly women, faced deliberate obstructions. ‘They’re being stopped under flimsy excuses, denied entry, and women agents are being harassed,’ Zara stated.
She accused polling officials of inventing arbitrary rules to hinder access, forcing female agents to leave or issuing conflicting instructions. This isn’t isolated; other independent women candidates have reported character assassination and threats in the lead-up. Explosions rocked polling booths in Gopalganj and Munshiganj, heightening tensions.
As results trickle in, questions loom over the election’s integrity. The enthusiasm of millions clashing with these irregularities paints a troubling picture for Bangladesh’s democracy. Authorities promise investigations, but for many voters and agents, the damage feels irreversible.