Dhaka

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Thursday congratulated the nation following the conclusion of voting in the 13th Parliamentary Election and a constitutional referendum, describing the exercise as the start of “an unprecedented journey toward a new Bangladesh.”

In a statement issued after polling ended across 299 constituencies, Yunus praised voters for their participation and commended political parties, candidates and state institutions for ensuring a peaceful process.

He thanked the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, civil administration, observer teams and media personnel for conducting what he termed a successful democratic exercise.

“The people of Bangladesh have once again demonstrated their commitment to democracy. I urge all political parties and candidates to uphold democratic values, tolerance and mutual respect even after the results are declared,” Yunus said in the statement. “Differences of opinion will remain, but we must remain united in the national interest.”

Calling it one of the most peaceful and celebratory elections in the country’s history, Yunus said the vote signalled a renewed phase in Bangladesh’s democratic journey and reaffirmed that sovereignty rests with the people.

Polling was held from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm local time, according to the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC). Officials clarified that voters who had entered polling premises before the deadline were allowed to cast their ballots.

The EC began counting votes shortly after polling concluded. Senior EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said voter turnout at 36,031 polling stations stood at 47.91 per cent as of 2:00 pm local time, as reported by The Daily Star. A total of 42,651 polling centres had been set up nationwide.

The elections are being held nearly two years after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office following a student-led movement in July 2024, which brought an end to the Awami League’s tenure. The party has been barred from contesting the current polls.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami — which is leading an alliance that includes the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed after the 2024 uprising — are among the principal contenders in the election, along with other parties contesting under seat-sharing arrangements.

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According to The Daily Star, 2,034 candidates from 51 political parties are in the fray.