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.

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.