Dhaka erupted into democratic fervor on Thursday as Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections kicked off nationwide. BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, a pivotal figure in the opposition, cast his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College polling station around 9:30 AM. Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Jaida Rahman, Tarique’s arrival drew crowds and media attention.
Emerging from the booth with an inked finger, Rahman urged every citizen to participate. ‘The people of Bangladesh have waited long for this day. Today, their rights are restored,’ he declared to reporters. Contesting from Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6, Rahman expressed optimism about a BNP victory, prioritizing law and order if elected.
Security was airtight across polling stations, especially in the capital. Rahman highlighted reports of untoward incidents overnight but insisted massive turnout would thwart any conspiracies. He envisioned peaceful, fair polls reflecting the true will of the people.
Early morning saw queues forming at Dhaka centers since voting began at 7:30 AM, set to end at 4:30 PM. With Awami League banned for five years, the contest pits BNP against Jamaat-e-Islami for 299 seats, counting to follow immediately.
Awami League fired back in a statement, decrying the elections as ‘farce’ amid ‘mob terror’ including lynchings and torture. They claimed jails overflow with their supporters, journalists, activists, and others on false charges. Minorities faced extermination threats pre-poll, labeled League backers for violence, while women voters feared a grim future, sidelined from policy-making under democracy’s guise.
As Bangladesh turns a new page post-Awami League ouster, Tarique’s call resonates: voting is the ultimate power in democracy. The nation watches if this poll ushers genuine change or more turmoil.