Livestock and Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter stated that voters are casting their ballots freely in the ongoing 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum 2026. Speaking to reporters after voting and inspecting the polling center at Ananda School (Government Jamila Ainul Ananda School and College) in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, she said the government had three mandates from the beginning—justice, reform, and election—and the final one was to organize the election. She emphasized that the government worked to ensure an environment where voters could independently select their preferred candidates.

Akhter added that voters are showing enthusiasm for the election, with polling booths operating in an orderly manner and officials performing their duties sincerely. She noted that the election is being conducted in an open and democratic atmosphere and has so far been proceeding successfully.

The adviser reiterated that no one is being pressured to support any particular candidate, describing the process as a reflection of voter independence and government commitment to fair participation.