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.

Masuma Hadi, sister of slain Sharif Osman Hadi, cast her vote on Thursday morning at the Government Nalchity Merchants Secondary School center in Jhalokathi while holding a placard demanding justice for her brother’s killing. Her presence and the placard momentarily changed the festive atmosphere of the polling center, drawing attention from voters and passersby who expressed sympathy for her demand.

After voting, Masuma Hadi said their movement would continue until justice was served, emphasizing that seeking justice for her brother was her moral duty as a citizen. She described both voting and demanding justice as her rights.

According to local sources cited in the report, although a case was filed over Osman Hadi’s murder, the perpetrators have not yet been brought to justice. The family and relatives, frustrated by the prolonged process, continue to call for a speedy trial.

Aminul Haque Amin, also known as Batta Amin, president of the Tati Dal in Ukhia upazila of Cox’s Bazar, was arrested by the army on Thursday morning, February 12, 2026. The arrest followed allegations that he pushed a supporter of the scale symbol after publicly distributing money at the Paglir Bil polling center in Haldia Palong Union.

Ukhia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Ahmed confirmed the incident, stating that the army detained Amin but had not handed him over to the police or provided further information. Earlier, a video circulated on social media showing Amin allegedly distributing money in support of the paddy sheaf symbol.

The report also mentioned that three supporters of the scale symbol were assaulted following an argument, though no additional details were provided about their condition or subsequent actions by authorities.

Police in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet detained three individuals on Thursday afternoon for allegedly attempting to cast fake votes. Two were arrested from Barni Government Primary School and one from Ranikhai Humayun Rashid Chowdhury High School. The arrests occurred during ongoing polling activities in the area.

According to local reports, the detainees were identified as Kawsar, son of Ismail Ali, and Fahim Ahmed, son of Sahid Ali, both residents of Barni Majhpara and reportedly supporters of the 'Sheaf of Paddy' electoral symbol. Companiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrests, stating that the two are currently in police custody. The third individual, a minor, was released after being detained.

The incident took place amid local-level voting in Sylhet, drawing attention to election security and the enforcement of voting regulations in the region.

A detailed report published on February 12, 2026, by Jiblu Rahman revisits allegations of widespread vote rigging, intimidation, and violence during Bangladesh’s first national election held on March 7, 1973. The article claims that under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership, the ruling Awami League used state resources, administrative influence, and coercive tactics to secure an overwhelming victory. Several candidates were declared elected unopposed, and opposition parties, including Maulana Bhasani’s National Awami Party and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, alleged systematic suppression and manipulation of results.

The report cites contemporary newspapers and political figures who described ballot box snatching, assaults on polling agents, and the use of the paramilitary Rakkhi Bahini to intimidate voters. Opposition leaders accused the government of turning the election into a farce and establishing a one-party rule. Following the election, Awami League won 293 out of 300 seats, while opposition parties faced arrests, violence, and restrictions on their activities.

The article concludes that the 1973 election marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history, raising questions about democratic integrity in the newly independent state.

During the 13th national parliamentary election in Bangladesh, numerous photos of stamped ballot papers appeared on Facebook even before voting concluded. The images, shared from personal profiles and pages, showed voters marking their preferred symbols inside polling booths and posting the pictures online. Some posts included political endorsements, prompting public debate over the neutrality and transparency of the election process.

The circulation of these images sparked discussions about possible irregularities in ballot management and monitoring at polling centers. Election laws require strict protection of ballot secrecy, and the Election Commission prohibits voters from carrying mobile phones within 400 yards of polling stations. The emergence of these photos raised questions about how voters managed to bring phones inside and take pictures in secret booths.

Abu Raihan Sohel, the presiding officer of center number 66 in Nilphamari-1 constituency, said he was unaware of the incident but claimed officials were vigilant to prevent mobile phones inside polling centers. He expressed confusion over how such photos were taken despite efforts to maintain fair voting.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that his party would accept election results only if the voting process remains neutral, fair, and free of controversy. Speaking to journalists in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Thursday, he emphasized that any attempt to create confusion or unwanted incidents during voting would lead the BNP to reject the results. Earlier, Rahman cast his vote at Gulshan Model School and visited several areas of the capital before addressing the media.

He reiterated that the election must be peaceful and transparent, asserting that the people of Bangladesh are the true owners of the country. According to him, higher voter turnout would help prevent conspiracies and strengthen public confidence in the process. Responding to questions about isolated incidents across the country, Rahman said such actions would create negative perceptions among citizens.

Rahman also expressed hope that the Election Commission would announce results within the scheduled timeframe, noting there was no reason for delays. He described voter turnout in Dhaka as satisfactory.

A large number of female voters, particularly young women, were seen participating enthusiastically in the Dhaka-9 parliamentary constituency election held on February 12, 2026. At the Madinabagh National School center, voter Sammi Akhter, aged 23, said she came to vote with her mother and younger sister, marking their family’s first voting experience. Presiding officer Mehedi Hasan reported that by 1 p.m., 712 out of 2,282 registered voters had cast their ballots, representing about 27 percent turnout. Lines of new young voters were notably long across all four booths at the center.

At another women’s polling center, Madinabagh Kindergarten, a similarly strong presence of female voters was recorded, with around 600 of 2,684 votes cast by midday. The main contenders in this constituency are BNP candidate Habibur Rashid Habib, National Citizen Party’s Mohammad Javed Mia, and independent candidate Tasmin Jara, a former NCP leader whose symbol is a football.

Dhaka-9 comprises wards 1–7 and 71–75 of Dhaka South City Corporation, covering Sabujbagh, Khilgaon, Mugda, and Maniknagar areas. The constituency has 469,360 registered voters, including 231,682 women, across 169 polling centers, with a total of 12 candidates contesting.

During the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Zahara Nafisa, a student of North South University, remembered Shaheed Osman Hadi while casting her vote at the Mirza Abbas Mohila College center in Dhaka-8. She said Osman Hadi was courageous and spoke boldly for truth and justice, adding that his presence would have made the election more joyful. Nafisa also expressed appreciation for Nasiruddin Patowary, noting his bravery in speaking the truth and urging the young generation to follow Hadi’s path.

Addressing the issue of Jamaat-e-Islami’s alleged misogyny, Nafisa stated that she did not consider the party to be anti-women, suggesting that their statements were often misunderstood due to poor presentation. She said she had developed trust in them and hoped future governments would govern the country responsibly.

According to official data, Dhaka-8 constituency has 266,497 voters, including 145,845 men, 120,651 women, and one third-gender voter. A total of 8,982 expatriates registered to vote via the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app.

Police in Kalapara, Patuakhali detained three individuals on Thursday over two separate election-related allegations. Two people were arrested for attempting to cast fake votes at Khepupara Nesaruddin Kamil Madrasa polling center around 9:30 a.m., while another was detained for taking photographs inside a secret voting booth at the Islambpur Dakhil Madrasa center in Kuakata.

Assistant Returning Officer and Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kawsar Hamid confirmed that the detainees would be handed over to a judicial magistrate for legal proceedings. They are currently in police custody. Election officials stated that strict security measures were implemented at all polling centers to ensure a fair and peaceful voting process.

Authorities emphasized that the actions were part of broader efforts to maintain order and transparency during the election in the region.

A crude bomb explosion occurred at the Reshma International School polling center in Gopalganj municipality on Thursday morning, injuring two Ansar members and a teenage girl. The blast took place around 9:15 a.m., causing minor injuries to the victims. The injured were identified as Ansar members Md. Jamal Molla and Sukanta Majumder, and 13-year-old Amena Khanam. Local officials, including the assistant commissioner (land) Babli Shabnam, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.

Witnesses reported a loud explosion and smoke inside the center, suggesting that an explosive device was thrown from outside to create panic among voters. Presiding officer Zahirul Islam confirmed the incident, stating that voting had been proceeding peacefully before the explosion occurred at the main gate. Despite the blast, polling activities continued normally.

The report also noted that similar crude bomb explosions had taken place at around ten polling centers in Gopalganj and nearby Tungipara the previous evening, raising concerns about attempts to disrupt the election process.