Bangladesh election 2026: Voting concludes; over 47% turnout till 2 pm amid clashes and blasts

Bangladesh election 2026: Voting ends with over 47% turnout till 2 pm amid clashes and blasts

• Bangladesh's 13th national election saw 47.91% turnout by 2 pm.
• Voting held in 299 of 300 constituencies; one canceled due to candidate's death.
• Unrest reported, but polling continued nationwide with heavy security.

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Voting for Bangladesh’s 13th national elections concluded at 4:30 pm (Bangladesh local time) on Thursday, with a voter turnout of 47.91% recorded as of 2 pm, according to the Daily Star citing poll body officials.

The Election Commission said polling was conducted in 299 out of 300 constituencies, as voting in one seat was cancelled due to the death of a candidate. Despite scattered incidents of unrest, officials maintained that voting was not suspended at any centre nationwide. Counting of votes is expected to begin shortly.

The high-stakes election, being held alongside a referendum on an 84-point reform package, witnessed heavy security deployment across the country.

Nearly 9,00,000 law enforcement personnel were stationed to ensure order, with additional measures such as drones and body-worn cameras used for the first time.  Authorities described the overall situation as controlled, even as reports of violence emerged from multiple districts.

Major incidents reported during polling:

• Khulna: BNP leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi died after a confrontation outside the Alia Madrasa polling station in the morning. The BNP alleged he was pushed by Jamaat-e-Islami activists, causing him to fall and suffer a fatal head injury. Jamaat leaders denied the allegation, claiming he “fell ill” during the altercation. The incident intensified tensions in the constituency.
• Munshiganj-3: A series of crude bomb explosions occurred outside a polling centre, leading to a temporary suspension of voting for around 15 minutes. Officials said between 10 and 12 bombs were detonated. Five individuals were later detained in connection with the blasts.
• Gopalganj: Three people, including a 13-year-old girl and two Ansar personnel, were injured in an alleged hand bomb attack at a polling station. Voting resumed shortly after the situation was brought under control.
• Sherpur: Two individuals were detained after more than 100 ballot papers stamped for the sheaf of paddy symbol were recovered from a polling centre.
• Meherpur: Twenty-three people were injured in clashes between BNP and Jamaat supporters amid allegations of vote obstruction. Police said the situation was later stabilised.

Authorities reiterated that the incidents were isolated and that polling largely proceeded peacefully under tight security arrangements.