Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The counting of votes has begun as the voting in 13th National Parliamentary Election and the Referendum concluded peacefully at 4:30pm today. Top leaders of different political parties contesting in the polls cast their votes at their respective polling centers this morning. They include 69 returning officers, 598 assistant returning officers, 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers and 4,95,964 polling officers. EC officials earlier said that of the security personnel deployed, 103,000 are army troops, 8,500 navy sailors and airmen, alongside 37,453 paramilitary BGB soldiers and 3,585 paramilitary Coast Guard members. The number of policemen on poll duty is 187,603, while RAB personnel number 9,349.

DHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission today said obstructing movement to polling centres, buying and selling votes and casting fake votes are punishable offenses. If anyone is found involved in these crimes, strict action will be taken against them, the EC said in a message issued for media here.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus -File photoDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the entire nation as the voting of 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter concluded in a peaceful, orderly and festive environment. Through exercising their constitutional rights, the citizens have played an active role in determining the country's future, the Chief Adviser added. It has been possible to complete this massive democratic event due to their dedication and hard work, he added. Differences of opinion will exist, but in the national interest we must remain united," the Chief Adviser said. "We will move forward collectively toward building an accountable, inclusive and justice-based state," the Chief Adviser added.

Strict action to be taken against chaos creators: ECDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to create chaos at polling centres. In a notification signed by EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) Md Ruhul Amin Mallick, the commission said, "Police personnel on duty at polling centres have hidden cameras attached to their uniforms, and all activities of those causing disruption will be recorded. Strict action will be taken against those responsible." It added, "All activities at the centres are being monitored through CCTV, and drones are being deployed at other locations." The commission warned everyone against engaging in any illegal or disruptive activities during the voting process.

Voting begins peacefully in Gaibandha amid tight security and preparations. Photo : BSSGAIBANDHA, Feb 11, 2026 (BSS) - Voting in the 13th Parliamentary Election and Referendum-2026 began peacefully in all five constituencies of Gaibandha district at 7:30 am today amid tight security. According to the district election office, a total of 21,72,468 voters are expected to cast their votes at 675 polling centres across the five constituencies. Though voter turnout was comparatively low in the early hours, the number of voters gradually increased as the morning advanced. A total of 40 candidates are contesting the election in the five constituencies of the district, said District Election Officer Mohammad Shahidul Islam.

Momena Begum’s determination inspires voters as 92-year-old casts ballot with unwavering resolve. Photo : BSSLALMONIRHAT, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - At the Gopalrai Government Primary School polling station in Kaliganj upazila, 92-year-old Momena Begum demonstrated remarkable determination as she came out to vote today. I would not have peace if I did not vote for the people I like,” Momena Begum said, expressing her joy at participating in the election after many years. She was allowed to vote on a priority basis.”District Election Officer Md. “Law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain overall control of the situation,” he said.

EU observers note strong voter enthusiasm, peaceful polling, and active participation across Bangladesh nationwide today. “They are reporting on how the polling stations are being opened, how many people participate. Ijabs, who earlier in the morning visited Siddheswari Girls’ College polling centre in the capital, reiterated that the EU mission remains strictly neutral. According to him, most polling stations observed so far opened on time, while the voting process was continuing peacefully. The EU EOM is expected to release its preliminary report at 12pm on February 14, following completion of its assessment of polling, counting and tabulation processes.

EU Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs praises Bangladesh elections, emphasizing transparency, credibility, and democratic participation nationwide. The Chief Observer said he would come with further information at 12pm after visiting the Curzon Hall, Dhaka University. The EU EOM deployed 90 short-term observers (STOs) to observe the election-day proceedings in all 64 administrative districts of the country. The short-term observers will observe opening of polling centres, voting, closing, as well as counting of the ballots and the tabulation of results. Their observations and reports throughout the day will be a critical element of our impartial and fact-based assessment of these historic elections," Ijabs told reporters.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The voting in 13th National Parliament Election and the Referendum concluded peacefully at 4:30 pm today. Earlier, voting began at 7:30 am across 42,779 polling centres in 299 constituencies nationwide. Top leaders of different political parties contesting in the polls cast their votes at their respective polling centers this morning. They include 69 returning officers, 598 assistant returning officers, 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers and 4,95,964 polling officers. The number of policemen on poll duty is 187,603, while RAB personnel number 9,349.

The Election Commission reported that 32.88% of votes had been cast across 32,000 polling centres nationwide by 12 noon during the 13th National Parliament Election. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said voting was continuing in all centres despite isolated incidents in different parts of the country. “So far, voting has not been suspended in any polling centre. Voting in the 13th National Parliament Election began at 7:30am on Thursday, with polling underway across 299 constituencies amid tight security and high public anticipation. The voting will continue uninterrupted until 4:30pm at 42,659 polling stations nationwide.

By Md Aynal HaqueRAJSHAHI, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting began at 7:30 am today in six constituencies of Rajshahi district and will continue until 4:30 pm. The total number of voters stands at 2,269,499, including 1,121,557 male voters, 1,147,914 female voters and 28 third-gender voters. Rajshahi-1 (Godagari and Tanore upazilas) has 464,704 voters - 230,884 male, 233,817 female and three third-gender voters - across 159 polling centres. Rajshahi-2 (Rajshahi City Corporation) has 364,330 voters - 174,465 male, 189,857 female and eight third-gender voters - with 115 polling centres. Rajshahi-3 (Paba and Mohanpur upazilas) has 420,839 voters - 208,690 male, 212,143 female and six third-gender voters - across 131 polling centres.

The Colonial Theatre, located in downtown Laconia, is the host of numerous entertainment events throughout the year. (Gabriel Perry/The Laconia Daily Sun photo)

Cizeron, 31, and 33-year-old Laurence Fournier Beaudry snatched gold ahead of reigning world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States. Visibly anxious as he left the ice, Cizeron commented: "it wasn't 100 percent perfect". But ultimately, Cizeron's competitive drive and desire to perform proved stronger, and he teamed up with close friend Fournier Beaudry in early 2025. - 'Raise the bar' -During the period without a dance partner Cizeron, who studied at art school and is rarely without his sketchbook, never stopped pursuing his artistic interests. The duo had competed for Denmark, Sorensen's country of birth, before switching to Canada when Fournier Beaudry was unable to obtain Danish citizenship ahead of the 2018 Olympics.

NARSINGDI, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting is underway peacefully at 663 centres across five constituencies in Narsingdi, with long queues of voters seen at different polling stations since morning. A festive atmosphere has been prevailing as voter turnout continues to rise as the day progresses. BNP-nominated candidate Khairul Kabir Khokon, contesting with the sheaf of paddy symbol, and Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan, contesting with the scales symbol, cast their votes at the centre. Khokon expressed satisfaction over the polling environment and voiced optimism about his victory, while Bhuiyan said voters were exercising their rights in a festive mood and expressed hope for success.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan casted her vote at Ideal School and College on Central Road in Dhanmondi here this noon. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said despite challenges and useless debates, people are exercising their voting rights spontaneously. “People are voting spontaneously today,” she told journalists after casting her vote at Ideal School and College on Central Road in Dhanmondi here this noon. People have truly been empowered.”About polls propaganda, Syeda Rizwana said, “Until yesterday, I heard what the election will be like? but the Election Commission.”“So, as soon as the gazette notification is made, the oath is taken, we will immediately hand over the responsibility,” the information adviser mentioned.