Dhaka

Allegations of irregularities surfaced during polling for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections on Wednesday, with a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate claiming discrepancies at some voting centres, even as leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed satisfaction with the electoral process.

Addressing the media, Khaleduz Zaman, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate contesting against BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman, alleged procedural violations at certain polling booths.

“The situation is not good. In some places, ballot papers are being sealed in separate rooms without the presence of polling agents. This is extremely disappointing. If this continues, how can we expect a fair outcome?” Zaman said, adding that his party had entered the election with high expectations.

In contrast, former BNP minister Sarwari Rahman praised the conduct of polling after casting her vote, describing the process as orderly and inclusive.

“Everything went smoothly and was well organised. Women are voting freely, and I feel happy. After many years, proper elections are taking place,” she told ANI, expressing optimism about the post-poll political scenario.

“I hope the results will be positive and parliament will function properly. After what we have witnessed for so many years, I believe things will improve,” she added.

Meanwhile, Zubair, a member of BNP’s student wing, Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal, accused Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting to disrupt the election process.

“The situation is complex. We are trying to maintain order, but Jamaat-e-Islami is attempting to create disturbances. We have evidence that they are misleading voters, engaging in criminal activities at polling centres and casting illegal votes,” he alleged.

Zubair further claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami’s demands were at odds with the aspirations of younger voters and questioned the party’s eligibility to participate in national elections due to its past conduct.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus cast his vote at the Gulshan Model School and College polling station in Dhaka, marking what officials described as a crucial moment in the country’s political transition.

BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman, after voting at Gulshan Model High School and College in Gulshan-2, said citizens had been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.

Polling began early across the country, with voters forming long queues outside booths from as early as 6 am (local time), reflecting widespread anticipation and hope for a transparent process.

The elections are being held amid major political changes, following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and the continued ban on Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, whose registration was suspended by the Election Commission last year.

Bangladesh, the world’s eighth most populous country, has nearly 127 million eligible voters, with almost half aged between 18 and 37 years. About 4.57 million voters are participating for the first time, according to Al Jazeera.

Out of 59 registered political parties, 51 are contesting the polls, fielding a total of 1,981 candidates, including 249 independents. Major contestants include the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party, Jatiya Party factions, Left Democratic Alliance and Amar Bangladesh Party.

Key election issues include corruption, inflation, employment and economic growth.

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Alongside the parliamentary polls, voters are also participating in a referendum on the National Charter 2025, a governance framework drafted by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.