In Noakhali’s Senbag-Sonaimuri constituency, a woman named Fatema Akter was divorced by her husband Idris after she voted for the BNP candidate instead of his preferred independent contender during the 13th national election held on February 12. Following the incident, the BNP announced that it would take responsibility for Fatema and her three children. The party’s local leaders, under the direction of BNP’s winning candidate Zainul Abedin Faruk, visited Fatema’s home and provided food supplies including rice, lentils, and oil.

According to the report, Idris became angry when Fatema admitted to voting for the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol rather than the “cup and plate” symbol. He allegedly assaulted her and expelled her from their home, later divorcing her publicly. Fatema confirmed the divorce and is now living at her father’s house in Kesharpar village.

When contacted, Idris could not be reached as his phone was switched off. His father, Md. Rafiq, denied that the divorce was related to voting, claiming instead that it stemmed from family disputes and Idris’s personal issues.