Photo : BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The participation of women voters wasnoticeably high at almost all polling centers in Rajshahi. From the morning, a higher presence of women voters compared to men wasobserved at various polling stations. Among the constituencies, Rajshahi-1 recorded 45 percent turnout, Rajshahi-2recorded 45 percent, Rajshahi-3 recorded 44 percent, Rajshahi-4 recorded 49percent, Rajshahi-5 recorded 48 percent, and Rajshahi-6 recorded 46 percent. Visits to various polling centers in the district and metropolitan areasrevealed that women voters outnumbered men. Presiding Officer Moharam Ali Khan said that the presence of women voters hadbeen satisfactory since morning, with women outnumbering men.

Law enforcement agencies strengthened security around polling centers across the country after voting concluded on Thursday afternoon, moving political party activists and supporters away from the immediate vicinity. Shortly after polling ended at the scheduled time, members of the forces assigned to maintain law and order instructed individuals gathered near polling stations to disperse. The Bangladesh Army, police, and other law enforcement agencies maintained a vigilant presence in and around several polling centers, including New Model Degree College in Dhanmondi. In most areas, activists and supporters were seen relocating a short distance from polling centers. Officials said the measures were taken to strengthen security in and around polling stations until the announcement of the election results.

I went halfway across Dhaka, in a rickshaw, spending way too much money, to my polling centre. In fact, if I were being perfectly honest, regardless of who wins, I am not exactly hopeful. Yet, the fact that I did vote, and went out of my way to vote, must mean something. However, for millions like us, even for the jaded cynics such as myself, February 12 offered at least a glimpse of what a functional democracy could be as far as elections are concerned. And that is reason enough for hope, if only momentarily.

In a welcome occurrence, not a single person was killed in election-related violence on polling day of the 13th national parliamentary election on Thursday. This is the first time since 1991 that polling day of a parliamentary or general election has passed without fatalities due to electoral violence. In Khulna, Mahibuzzaman Kochi, a former BNP leader, died following a scuffle at a polling centre. In Chittagong, 62-year-old Md Monu Mia fell sick at a centre in Kazir Dewri before breathing his last. In Bhairab of Kishoreganj, Razzak Mia, 67, fell sick and died after arriving at his designated polling centre to cast his vote.

However, when she entered the voting booth, polling officials informed her that her vote had already been cast. The assistant presiding officer later assured Shaheda that she would be allowed to vote. Speaking after voting, Shaheda said: “I have cast my vote, but it was kept separately and not placed in the ballot box. Responding to the incident, the assistant presiding officer told Dhaka Tribune that the matter occurred inadvertently. The presiding officer confirmed that Shaheda’s vote was sealed in a separate envelope and would be sent to the Election Commission as per instructions.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakfrul Islam Alamgir today cast his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls High School. Photo : BSSTHAKURGAON, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakfrul Islam Alamgir today cast his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls High School Centre after offering prayers at the grave of his parents. Later, he talked to local journalists and said, “A new journey of democracy has begun. We hope they will be defeated.”Expressing optimism about their victory, the BNP Secretary General said, “We will win under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Good governance and a smooth democratic system will be established in the country.”

Akhter Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission (EC) secretariat spoke to journalists at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting turnout reached 32.88 percent by 12 pm today as voters exercised their rights smoothly and spontaneously across polling centers during the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. Akhter Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission (EC) secretariat, confirmed the figure while speaking to journalists at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon. "We have received reports from 32,789 polling centers out of 42,651, and the voting rate at these centers is 32.88 percent," he said. The senior secretary thanked voters for their enthusiastic participation and urged everyone to cast their votes promptly upon arrival at polling centers.

Rivals share smiles and friendly chats, showing respect beyond political competition. Photo : BSSNarsingdi, 12 Feb 2026 (BSS)- A different scene of camaraderie was witnessed in the electoral race of Narsingdi-1 (Sadar) constituency as three rivalcandidates were seen engaging in friendly conversation and light-hearted banter. The scene was observed around 9:30 am today at the field of Rajadi High School in Narsingdi sadar upazila, drawing the attention of voters andsupporters present there. Despite electoral rivalry, the display of mutual respect and warmth among the candidates attracted public attention. Amid the busy campaign schedule, the candidates' amiable interaction has sparked positive discussions in the area.

DINAJPUR, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Polling began this morning in a peaceful and festive atmosphere in the Dinajpur-3 (Sadar) constituency, with voters turning out in large numbers. Voting is being held at 130 centres across Dinajpur Municipality and Sadar Upazila. Long queues of voters, including first-time voters and senior citizens, were seen at different polling stations since morning. Insher Ali, 84, and Tashir Uddin, 78, said they were happy to vote in a peaceful and secure environment after a long gap. The participation of both young and elderly voters reflects renewed enthusiasm for democratic engagement in the district.

Voting is underway peacefully in the district with a noticeable presence of women voters. Photo: BSSCHAPAINAWABGANJ, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting is underway peacefully in the district with a noticeable presence of women voters and an atmosphere of enthusiasm across the constituencies. Polling for the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum began at 7:30 am Thursday and is being conducted simultaneously in 515 polling centers across the district's three constituencies. Out of the 515 polling centers, 115 have been designated as key centers. Reports from polling centers indicate a peaceful and orderly environment, with voters entering freely and law enforcement actively maintaining security.

The highest turnout as of 2:00 PM was recorded in Rajshahi-4 constituency, where 49 percent of votes were cast. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS)- As of 2:00 PM today (12 February), an average of 46.16 percent of votes have been cast in the six parliamentary constituencies of Rajshahi district. According to the media cell, the highest turnout as of 2:00 PM was recorded in Rajshahi-4 constituency, where 49 percent of votes were cast. On the other hand, the lowest turnout was in the Rajshahi-3 constituency, with 44 percent. Among the other constituencies in the district, Rajshahi-1 and Rajshahi-2 each recorded 45 percent turnout, Rajshahi-5 recorded 48 percent, and Rajshahi-6 recorded 46 percent voter cast their vote.

Tarique Rahman vows to accept results if polls remain free, fair, peaceful. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the polls results will be accepted if the election is held in a free, fair and neutral manner. "If the election is held in a free, fair, impartial manner and without controversy, then why shouldn't we accept it? Tarique Rahman made these remarks to reporters at the Gulshan BNP chairman's office after visiting various centers in the capital. Tarique Rahman said, "I have visited various centers so far, but I have not received news from all over the country yet.

The Fit for Duty exhibit is housed in two locations on Cornell’s campus: the Human Ecology Building and Wortham Museum in Barton Hall. These two places host a plethora of historic military dress while also adding in student creations inspired by the fashion of our armed forces. Fit for Duty and its study of the past, present and future of military dress does not end in Barton Hall or the Human Ecology Building. This collaboration brings to light how military dress in film fulfills its own function. In film, military dress can carry either positive or negative connotations, bringing to mind high-adrenaline action or the violence of war.

EC thanks all for ensuring free, fair referendum and nat’l pollsDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the stakeholders for their full cooperation in holding the 13th national election in a free, fair and impartial manner. The release issued today by the Public Relations Department of the Election Commission Secretariat, the EC said the collective efforts and responsible roles of all stakeholders helped ensure a peaceful electoral environment across the country. The Commission extended special thanks to members of law enforcement agencies for maintaining law and order, as well as to election officials and polling staff for carrying out their duties with dedication and professionalism. Wishing continued peace, prosperity and progress for Bangladesh, the Election Commission has requested all concerned to arrange special prayers in all mosques after Jumma tomorrow. The EC reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparency and integrity in the country’s electoral process.

Voting in the 13th National Parliament Election began at 7:30am on Thursday, with polling taking place across 299 constituencies amid tight security and high public anticipation. The election in Sherpur-3 constituency has been postponed following the death of a candidate. A total of 127,298,522 voters in 299 constituencies are eligible to cast their ballots. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 female voters and 1,213 third-gender voters. The total number of voters across 300 constituencies stands at 127,711,899.