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.

Two local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were detained with cash in separate incidents in Kathalia upazila of Jhalakathi, according to local reports published on February 12, 2026. Joint forces and law enforcement officials carried out the detentions. The first arrest took place around 12:30 p.m. near Shauljalia Secondary School, where former Shauljalia Union BNP general secretary Mainul Haque Sohag Mallik was held with 17,000 taka in 200-taka notes. A mobile court fined him 1,000 taka and released him after taking a written undertaking.

In the second incident, Awrabunia Union BNP general secretary Md. Oliul Islam, also known as Oli Member, was detained around 11 a.m. from Awrabunia Bazar area with an unspecified amount of cash. He was later released after providing a written undertaking. The incidents have sparked local discussion, though no official statement has been issued by authorities.

The report indicates that both detentions were handled through summary legal measures, but the reasons behind the arrests and the source of the seized money remain unclear.

Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament Election and referendum began nationwide at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and will continue until 4:30 p.m. Voter turnout, initially low in the morning, increased steadily as the day progressed, with a notably higher presence of women voters. For the first time, voters are casting ballots for both parliamentary candidates and a national referendum simultaneously, using separate white and pink ballot papers.

The election marks the first major vote since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, following a mass uprising. An interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus took office on August 8, 2024, and is overseeing this election about eighteen months later. Political activities remain banned, preventing the Awami League from participating. Out of 300 constituencies, voting is being held in 299 due to a candidate’s death in Sherpur-3.

According to the Election Commission, 127.7 million voters are registered, with 42,958 polling centers nationwide. Fifty political parties are contesting, fielding 2,028 candidates, including 81 women. Ballot counting for both the election and referendum will begin immediately after polls close, with results announced together.

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.

Nahid Islam, the Dhaka-11 candidate of the 11-party alliance and convener of the NCP, alleged that rival party activists were conducting show-of-force activities and intimidating voters at several polling centers, violating the electoral code of conduct. He made the remarks on Thursday, February 12, after visiting Badda Government Girls High School.

He said that in Beraid and Satarkul areas, attempts were made to chase away his supporters, but the situation calmed after army intervention. Nahid added that despite these incidents, voter turnout appeared strong, with many people eager to cast their votes. He also mentioned hearing reports of major disruptions in Dhaka-8, Noakhali-6, and Kurigram-2 constituencies, where his alliance’s candidates and agents were allegedly being obstructed. He stated that all such incidents were being reported to the administration.

Nahid urged all voters to come to the polling centers, emphasizing that voter participation would determine everything and that ensuring a fair election was more important than victory or defeat.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sajjat Ali stated that voting was taking place in an excellent environment without any untoward incidents. He made the remarks on Thursday at 11 a.m. after casting his vote at Mohammad Preparatory School and College center. The commissioner said the election was being held in a calm and festive atmosphere, describing it as a historic event as envisioned by the chief adviser.

Responding to questions from journalists, the DMP Commissioner said there was no fear or tension surrounding the vote or the post-result period. He noted that major political parties had pledged to accept the results regardless of outcome, reducing the likelihood of violence. He also dismissed rumors about possible unrest, emphasizing that the election was proceeding peacefully.

According to the presiding officer, 11 percent of votes were cast between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the center, which has 2,584 registered voters. Officials reported no disturbances and expected voter turnout to increase as the day progressed.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem cast his vote at Shishu Government Primary School in Khagrachhari on Thursday morning, accompanied by his family. Speaking to journalists after voting, he said the people of Bangladesh had long awaited such a day and that the struggle for freedom was finding expression through representative elections.

Kayem called on voters to go to polling centers and choose candidates who embody the aspirations of July, support reform, and uphold zero tolerance against extortion, tender manipulation, and terrorism. He expressed hope that around 120 million voters, including 40 million young people, would participate in the polls. He added that those elected through a free, fair, and neutral election should serve as public servants rather than rulers.

He also urged citizens to vote “yes” in the referendum, expressing optimism that a just and equitable Bangladesh would emerge based on the people’s 55-year-long aspirations for fairness and equality.