Presiding officers reported that by 1 p.m. on Thursday, 31.47 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots at seven polling centers located at Kamarpara School and College in Ward 54 of Dhaka North City Corporation, under the Dhaka-18 constituency. The total number of registered voters at this polling venue is 19,175.

Among the seven centers, voter turnout varied: 32 percent at center 210, 32.6 percent at 211, 28.64 percent at 212, 34 percent at 213, 29.25 percent at 214, 23.82 percent at 215, and 40 percent at 216. The information was confirmed to the newspaper by the presiding officers on Thursday afternoon.

Dhaka-18 constituency comprises Wards 1, 17, and 43 through 54 of Dhaka North City Corporation, with a total of 218 polling centers and 605,398 registered voters, including 306,654 men, 298,738 women, and six third-gender voters.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has received 648,000 postal ballots as of Thursday, according to Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. He shared the update with journalists at the Election Commission Secretariat. This marks the first time expatriate Bangladeshis have been allowed to cast their votes through postal ballots.

In addition to expatriates, prisoners in Bangladesh and government officials assigned to election duties were also given the opportunity to vote by post. A total of 1,533,684 voters, both domestic and overseas, registered through the 'Postal Vote BD' app to participate in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum via postal ballots. Among them, 761,138 are expatriate Bangladeshis.

The Election Commission’s update highlights the growing use of digital registration and remote voting mechanisms in the country’s electoral process, with a significant portion of participation coming from overseas citizens.

Voting in Bangladesh’s ongoing 13th National Parliament election and referendum will continue until 4:30 PM on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Those present inside polling centers by that time will be allowed to cast their votes. The polling began at 7:30 AM the same day. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ emergency coordination cell, incidents of unrest were reported in 486 polling centers across the country by 2 PM.

The coordination cell confirmed that 59 cases of fake voting and three incidents of ballot box snatching occurred nationwide. Polling agents were expelled from 14 centers, while clashes between supporters of different candidates took place in 135 locations. Additionally, six candidates were assaulted, voting was obstructed in 18 places, and four incidents of arson were recorded. Negligence by election officials was reported in 33 cases.

The ministry’s data reflect widespread irregularities and violence during the voting process, raising concerns about the overall election environment as polling continues through the afternoon.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has alleged serious irregularities, including violence, polling center takeovers, obstruction of polling agents, ballot snatching, and explosions, during ongoing voting across Dhaka and several districts. At a press conference in Banglamotor on Thursday afternoon, NCP election committee member-secretary Monira Sharmin detailed incidents such as attacks on voters and journalists, forced removal of agents, and assaults in Noakhali’s Hatiya. She also cited reports of fake polling agents, pre-cast votes, and unauthorized ballot stamping in multiple constituencies.

Sharmin accused local officials and police of failing to act responsibly despite written complaints from candidates. She claimed attempts were being made to manipulate results through vote rigging and “electronic engineering.” The NCP warned that the public would not accept any party coming to power through such means. Sharmin further alleged that the BNP was covertly influencing voters to cast “No” votes while publicly campaigning for “Yes.”

She stated that the NCP was monitoring the situation closely and might boycott or reject the election if the alleged irregularities continued.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) spokesperson Mahdi Amin alleged that a rival political alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami had instigated several violent incidents across the country on the night before the election, fearing defeat. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP’s central election management office on Thursday, he said the incidents were clear violations of electoral conduct and called on the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and the interim government to ensure a calm environment until results are announced.

Amin stated that the BNP’s anticipated victory had prompted these attempts at disruption but expressed confidence that they would fail, citing strong voter turnout nationwide. He noted that BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman had cast his vote with his family at Gulshan Model High School and College and urged voters and party activists to remain at polling centers until the end of voting. Amin emphasized that citizens’ participation would safeguard their democratic rights and ensure the continuation of Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance for the Dhaka-8 constituency, alleged irregularities and bias by presiding officers during the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking to journalists after visiting the Segunbagicha High School polling center on Thursday afternoon, he claimed that his polling agents were obstructed and that voting was conducted unfairly in several centers.

Patwari stated that at Mirza Abbas Mohila College, his agent was confined for nearly three hours and that voting for female voters was deliberately slowed. He further alleged that the presiding officer at the Railway Colony center, identified as Mohammad Russell, a deputy director at Bangladesh Bank, was working in favor of the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Patwari also claimed that some voters were prevented from leaving polling centers after voting and were given separate slips.

He said he verbally informed army officials about the incidents but had not filed a written complaint. Patwari added that ballot papers already marked with the BNP symbol were found in several areas and that his agents were expelled from polling centers. He said his coalition would decide later whether to accept the election results.

Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, the chief coordinator and candidate of the Ganosamhati Andolon supported by the BNP alliance, cast his vote on Thursday morning at Kolakandi Government Primary School in Fordabad Union, Bancharampur, Brahmanbaria-6 constituency. After voting, he described the day as long-awaited and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the democratic struggle.

Saki said the current election is part of a long democratic movement that began with the fight against fascism. He mentioned that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had been a central figure in this movement, though she could not witness the day. Commenting on the voting atmosphere, he noted that despite earlier concerns, voters were coming to polling centers and the environment remained peaceful.

He emphasized the need for a free, fair, and acceptable election, urging all candidates to act responsibly to maintain peace. Saki added that victory and defeat are natural in elections and represent the beauty of democracy.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury described the ongoing 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum 2026 as historic, saying it will stand as an example for the nation. On February 12, 2026, he visited several polling centers in Dhaka, including Siddheswari Girls College, Siddheswari High Girls School, Chameli Bagh Golden Era Kids School, Motijheel Ideal School and College, Motijheel AGB Colony Community Center, T&T High School, and Tejgaon College.

During his visits, the adviser spoke with presiding officers and voters, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful and festive atmosphere at the polling centers. Responding to journalists, he said the national election was being held in a fair and celebratory environment so far and expressed hope that it would continue until the end.

According to available updates, by 2 p.m. nationwide there were reports of 486 incidents of disorder and 59 cases of fake voting, while voter turnout in Dhaka-18 stood at 31.47 percent, with voters showing enthusiasm and spontaneous participation.

Chief Observer Evers Ijaabs of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) said voters in Bangladesh showed strong enthusiasm and spontaneous participation during the ongoing election. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Curzon Hall polling center at Dhaka University on February 12, he expressed hope that the positive atmosphere would continue throughout the day. The mission is closely monitoring the situation nationwide through its deployed observers.

Ijaabs stated that the EU mission maintains constant online communication with observers across the country, receiving regular updates on polling center openings, voter turnout, and overall conditions. He emphasized that the mission operates with complete neutrality and does not engage in any political process. The EU has deployed more than 200 observers across urban and rural areas to ensure an objective and data-based assessment.

The Chief Observer added that the mission will release its preliminary observation report on February 14. He clarified that no comments would be made during voting to avoid influencing the process, describing the election as an important opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the only third-gender voter of Faridpur-4 constituency, Swapna Akter, exercised her voting rights at the Noiroshi Government Primary School polling center in Sadar Union, Sadar Upazila, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at around 11:30 a.m. The presiding officer provided her with special assistance due to her unique voter status.

After casting her vote, Swapna expressed satisfaction at being able to vote peacefully for the first time and thanked the Election Commission for enabling third-gender individuals to participate in the electoral process. She noted that although several third-gender people live in Sadar Upazila, she is the only one included in the voter list. Swapna urged the government to register all third-gender citizens as voters and ensure their access to civic benefits.

According to official data, Faridpur-4 constituency has a total of 490,991 voters, including 249,583 men, 241,407 women, and only one third-gender voter.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on voters who have not yet cast their ballots to go to polling centers within the scheduled time and vote for their preferred candidates. He made the appeal on Thursday afternoon through a post on his verified Facebook page, describing the ongoing election as an important chapter in the country’s democratic journey. Rahman expressed gratitude to those who have already voted and exercised their democratic rights.

In his message, Rahman emphasized that each responsible and conscious vote can play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future. He also urged citizens to remain united and work together for the development of the country. The appeal comes amid the ongoing voting process across Bangladesh, as reports mention allegations of bias against a presiding officer and rival party activists’ presence at several polling centers.

Rahman further warned that if voters are misled about the election process, the results would not be accepted, underscoring his party’s stance on ensuring fairness in the polls.

BNP Standing Committee member and Chattogram-11 (Bandar-Patenga) candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh has returned to a democratic path, citing the festive presence of voters across polling centers. He made the remarks on Thursday at noon after casting his vote at the North Kattali Munshipara Government Primary School center in Chattogram.

Speaking to journalists, Khasru stated that voters were actively participating in a celebratory atmosphere and that similar scenes were being reported nationwide. He said this turnout proved that the democratic process had been restored in the country. Khasru added that people have always trusted the BNP during critical times and expressed confidence that voters would again choose the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, to reclaim ownership of the country.

He further noted that the return of democracy had come at a high cost to pro-democracy political activists, students, and citizens. Khasru honored the sacrifices of BNP members and said voters would elect qualified representatives through ballots. He also mentioned that no complaints had been raised against the administration by midday.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, the AB Party candidate for Barishal-3 constituency, said he has no intention to boycott the election without a valid reason. Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Madhabpasha Chandradwip High School and College in Babuganj on Thursday morning, he expressed hope that if the election is fair and acceptable, he will accept the result even in defeat.

Voting began simultaneously at 7:30 a.m. across 299 parliamentary constituencies and will continue until 4:30 p.m., alongside a historic referendum on constitutional reform and the July National Charter. The Election Commission deployed a record 958,000 security personnel, including over 108,000 armed forces members, to maintain order. More than 90 percent of the 43,000 polling centers are equipped with CCTV cameras, and 25,700 body-worn cameras have been distributed to security forces.

This is the first general election since the 2024 mass uprising, with 51 political parties and 2,029 candidates contesting. The Election Commission expects final results by February 13, amid widespread anticipation for a free and peaceful vote.

Veteran actor Abul Hayat cast his vote in the 13th National Parliamentary Election at a polling center in Viqarunnisa Noon School and College under Dhaka-8 constituency on the morning of February 12, 2026. He has participated in ten national elections, excluding the three controversial ones held in 2014, 2018, and 2024. Hayat described the current election atmosphere as good and peaceful, noting that he had not witnessed any disorder so far.

Speaking after casting his vote, Abul Hayat expressed his hope that qualified candidates would win and that a genuine political party would come to power to ensure better governance. The election day across the country, including the capital, was marked by a festive mood as citizens and public figures from the entertainment industry shared their expectations about the outcome.

The report highlights the participation of cultural personalities in the election process, reflecting broader civic engagement during the 13th national polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and head of its central publicity and media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, said the 13th National Parliamentary Election and concurrent referendum were being held in the most festive atmosphere in the nation’s history. Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s central office on Thursday, he described the first three hours of voting as peaceful and enthusiastic, with voters, including young people and women, participating spontaneously after the government declared a public holiday.

Zubair emphasized that the election was significant because it would elect 299 members of parliament and decide a referendum whose “yes” outcome would advance reform efforts. He said national leaders, including the chief adviser and chief election commissioner, had already cast their votes, and Jamaat’s amir voted at Manipur School before visiting polling centers to meet agents and voters.

He acknowledged reports of violence and obstruction in Bhola, Cumilla-8, and Noakhali’s Hatiya, urging the administration and Election Commission to act neutrally and ensure accountability if irregularities occur.