The Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy (AFED) has reported indications of proxy voting at 11 percent of polling centers during the Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 by-elections. The organization presented its findings at a press conference held on Saturday at the Economic Reporters Forum auditorium in Dhaka. AFED stated that while most polling centers experienced peaceful voting, some irregularities occurred, including ballot counting before the end of voting in a few centers.

According to AFED spokesperson Harun-or-Rashid, about 12 percent of centers did not properly follow voter identification procedures, and one incident of physical intimidation was recorded. Around 47 percent of centers displayed campaign materials near polling areas, violating electoral codes. Unauthorized individuals were seen controlling access outside 12 centers, and in 15 cases, voters were reportedly directed on how to vote. Nearly half of the centers saw groups of voters arriving in the same vehicles.

AFED noted that voter turnout ranged between 31 and 64 percent, with many centers experiencing long periods of low attendance. The group recommended stronger training for polling officials, stricter enforcement of election-day codes, and expansion of postal voting based on pilot experiences.