Bangladesh elections 2026: Voting ends; 47.91% turnout recorded till 2 pm

Voting for Bangladesh’s 13th national elections concluded at 4:30 pm with a 47.91% turnout recorded till 2 pm, as polling was held in 299 constituencies under heavy security. Scattered violence, including the death of a BNP leader, crude bomb blasts and clashes between rival supporters, was reported from several districts, though authorities said voting largely remained peaceful. (Read more)

Voting for Bangladesh’s 13th national elections concluded at 4:30 pm (Bangladesh local time) on Thursday. A voter turnout of 47.91% was recorded as of 2 pm, the Daily Star reported, citing poll body officials. Final turnout figures are expected to be updated by the Election Commission.

A BNP leader, Mohibuzzaman Kochi, died following a confrontation with Jamaat-e-Islami supporters outside a polling centre in Khulna on Thursday, bdnews24 reported. The BNP alleged that a Jamaat leader pushed him toward a tree, leading to his death. Jamaat denied the claim, saying he fell ill during the altercation. The incident has intensified tensions ahead of Bangladesh’s 2026 parliamentary polls.

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen said the ban on the Awami League could make Jamaat-e-Islami the main opposition if the BNP wins the 13th parliamentary elections. In a post on X, she urged the elected government to lift the ban so that the opposition remains secular rather than religion-based. Voting is underway in 299 out of 300 constituencies from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, alongside a referendum on an 84-point reform package. (Read more)

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman praised the army for maintaining law and order during voting on Thursday, the Dhaka Tribune reported. He alleged that BNP supporters tried to take control of several centres but said the army swiftly intervened and restored order, calling its role across the country “commendable.”

Voting is underway under heightened security across Bangladesh for the 13th general elections. The polls mark the first national vote since the 2024 Gen Z protests that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina after nearly 16 years in power and her subsequent exile to India.

A polling officer died after falling ill during voting at a polling centre in Brahmanbaria city, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Mojahidul Islam.

Twenty-three people were injured after clashes erupted between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Meherpur over allegations of vote obstruction, bdnews24 reported. Police said three Jamaat supporters were arrested, the situation has been brought under control, and voting is continuing without disruption.

Top leaders of Bangladesh’s two major contending parties, along with interim chief Muhammad Yunus, cast their ballots early on Thursday as voting began in the country’s 13th parliamentary elections. Polling started at 7:30 am (local time) in 299 out of 300 constituencies and will continue until 4:30 pm local time.

After casting his vote, BNP chairman Tarique Rahman expressed optimism about victory and forming the government.

“We will prioritise improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure if we form the government,” he said, according to a report by Daily Star.

“Half of Bangladesh’s population is women. We cannot move forward by leaving this half behind. In our manifesto and on various occasions, we have spoken about valuing and empowering women. If we are able to form the government, In sha Allah, we will begin working on this from the very first day.”

The Bangladesh Election Commission reported a 32.88 percent voter turnout by noon today at 32,789 polling centres, representing about 77 percent of all polling stations. The figures indicate moderate voter participation midway through the day.

Two crude bomb explosions were reported at polling centres in Gopalganj and Munshiganj on Thursday morning, injuring three people, including two Ansar members and a child.

The first blast occurred around 9:00 a.m. at Reshma International School in the Nichupara area of Gopalganj, injuring Ansar members Sukanto Majumdar and Jamal Molla, along with 13-year-old Amena Khanum, daughter of Ashraf Ali Mishu, police said. Additional Superintendent of Police Md Sarwar Hossain confirmed the incident to The Daily Star.

A second explosion took place around 10:00 a.m. at Makhati Gurucharan High School in Munshiganj Sadar, followed by a chase and counter-chase, officials said. Officer-in-Charge Md Mominul Islam confirmed the incident.

Bangladesh Television reporter Miraj Uddin was seriously injured in an attack by BNP leaders and activists while reporting from the Noakhali-6 constituency.

Independent candidate for Dhaka-9, Tasnim Jara, alleged that her polling agents were blocked at several voting centres on election day. She claimed that many agents were denied entry or forced out on what she described as “baseless and fabricated” grounds, raising concerns over the conduct of voting.

Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, cast his vote at a polling centre in Dhaka for the 13th Parliamentary elections.

Amid reports of violence across Bangladesh, authorities deployed nearly 9.58 lakh security personnel and expanded surveillance for the parliamentary vote. Over 90 per cent of the 42,779 polling centres are now monitored via CCTV. Drones and body-worn cameras are being used for the first time. Officials said these measures will help document the polling process and assist law enforcement if needed.

After casting his vote, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman described the election as a “turning point” for Bangladesh. The vote comes 18 months after the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, which concluded following student-led protests in July 2024 and the formation of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Speaking to reporters, Rahman said, “For me and for Bangladesh, yes, it is a turning point, and we are striving for that, Inshallah. People’s demands change, their aspirations change, and we also deserve change. Alhamdulillah, this vote is meaningful for me because I have been able to cast my ballot after being deprived in three consecutive elections. Not only me, but the people of Bangladesh as well. At that time, I was in prison. Thank you.”

Bangladesh Elections | Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP and son of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia, arrives at a polling centre at the Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka to cast his vote for the 13th Parliamentary elections.

Kolkata, West Bengal: On the Bangladesh elections, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh says, "...The people there want peace and development, which we, too, as a neighbouring country, desire. But holding peaceful elections in Bangladesh is a very big challenge. We hope that elections will be held, a government will be formed, and stability will come to the country."

"I am feeling amazing because this is the first time in my life I have voted, and it's so easy because the ballots aren't causing any issues... For voters, there will be no problem casting their votes, and the inside arrangement is such that it's distributed across different rooms according to numbers... They have managed it quite well so far," said a voter in Bangladesh, as quoted by ANI.

The United Nations has called for safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation in public life ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. In a statement issued Wednesday, the UN stressed that this fundamental human right applies to everyone, including women and girls, particularly women with disabilities, those from minority communities, gender-diverse individuals, and others who may face heightened risks of discrimination, barriers to participation, or gender-based violence.

Bangladesh is witnessing a landmark moment in its democratic journey as voters across the country began casting their ballots in a crucial parliamentary election. With more than 127 million people eligible to vote, the stakes could not be higher. This election comes after years of political unrest, and heightened security has been deployed at tens of thousands of polling stations nationwide to ensure a smooth process.

Tarique Rahman, often dubbed the BNP’s 'Dark Prince,' is emerging as one of the most closely watched figures in Bangladesh’s first national election since the 2024 uprising that unseated Sheikh Hasina. The eldest son of Bangladesh’s late military ruler-turned-president Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Rahman’s return to Dhaka comes amid political unrest, violence concerns, and sharp debate over the interim government’s role.

His political lineage runs deep. Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978, and is credited with playing a significant role during Bangladesh’s liberation period, including establishing early civil administration in Roumari after it was reclaimed from Pakistani forces.

After Khaleda Zia’s death, Rahman formally took charge as BNP chairman in December 2025. Until then, he had served as the party’s acting chairman, positioning him as the central figure for the BNP as Bangladesh heads into a high-stakes vote.

As voting begins, election officials have projected turnout around 55 percent, according to India Today. Whether participation meets that estimate will be closely scrutinised as a measure of public confidence.

The interim government banned the party in May 2025 under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing its alleged role in the 2024 crackdown. The Election Commission subsequently suspended its registration, disqualifying it from contesting.

The Awami League has urged the international community to “save Bangladesh from collapse.” The party alleges intimidation and systematic exclusion ahead of the polls.

Exiled writer Taslima Nasrin told NDTV that the election risks becoming “a use of elections to establish theocracy.” She alleged rising violence and suppression of liberal voices under the interim dispensation.

At Dhakeshwari temple, a Hindu father expressed anxiety over safety and his child’s future. The sentiment reflects wider concerns among minority communities amid political uncertainty.

Exiled writer Taslima Nasrin told NDTV that the election risks becoming “a use of elections to establish theocracy.” She alleged rising violence and suppression of liberal voices under the interim dispensation.

Wazed alleged that convicted extremists have been released and radical groups emboldened since the change in leadership. He warned of broader regional consequences, including potential security risks.

Wazed told India Today that Sheikh Hasina is “very disappointed” and worried about Bangladesh’s trajectory. He claimed extremist forces are gaining influence following the political transition.

At least 21 individuals were detained over alleged irregularities, including cash possession and polling centre intrusions, The Daily Star reported. Some were later released after questioning. Authorities said monitoring remains strict.

BNP leader Zeba Amina Khan told PTI that India and Bangladesh “should remain friends.” She noted shared security concerns and border issues that require joint resolution. The comments appear aimed at calming regional anxieties over a potential political shift in Dhaka.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman said there are “no second-class citizens” in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters, he emphasised equal citizenship and constructive ties with India. His remarks come amid minority concerns ahead of polling.

Alongside parliamentary ballots, voters are also participating in a referendum on an 84-point reform agenda. The package aims to reshape state institutions and governance structures. Its outcome could have long-term implications beyond this election cycle.

In a message ahead of polling, Muhammad Yunus described the vote and referendum as 'a defining moment' in Bangladesh’s political history, according to The Daily Star. He urged citizens to vote responsibly. The interim government insists the process will be free and fair.

For the first time in over a decade and a half, the Awami League is not on the ballot. The party was banned in May 2025 under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and its registration was suspended. Senior leaders face tribunal proceedings linked to the 2024 uprising.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is widely seen as the leading contender in this election. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Dhaka after 17 years in exile and has promised job creation and stronger law enforcement.

Voting has been cancelled in one constituency following the death of a candidate, PTI reported. The Election Commission said fresh dates will be announced later. Polling continues normally in the remaining 299 constituencies.

According to the Election Commission, 12.77 crore citizens are eligible to vote, including 6.48 crore men and 6.28 crore women. Polling is underway at 42,779 centres nationwide. Authorities have urged voters to maintain calm and follow procedures inside booths.

The Election Commission has deployed nearly 958,000 security personnel, supported by the army, to oversee polling. Officials describe it as the largest electoral security arrangement in Bangladesh’s history. CCTV monitoring and patrols have been intensified, particularly in Dhaka.

Bangladesh heads to the polls 18 months after mass protests toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government. The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus has framed this election as a reset moment. Critics, however, question whether a vote without the Awami League can truly reflect the national mandate.