Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: BNP, Jamaat chiefs cast votes amid tight security

February 12, 2026, 11:36:43 (IST)

BSF heightens vigil at Fulbari ICP on Indo-Bangladesh border amid 13th parliamentary polls.

#WATCH | Bangladesh Elections | BSF is on high alert at the Fulbari Integrated Check Post (ICP) Indo-Bangladesh border in Jalpaiguri as the 13th Parliamentary Elections are underway in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/QgMqszHqXw

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 11:26:21 (IST)

A molotov cocktail was thrown during voting at a polling centre in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, according to Prothom Alo.

At least three people, including a child accompanying a voter, were injured in the attack.

The incident took place at around 9:30 am at the Reshma International School polling centre.

February 12, 2026, 11:12:38 (IST)

Around 11.78 per cent of voters had cast their ballots in five constituencies of Dhaka by 10 am, The Daily Star reported the Dhaka Deputy Commissioner (DC) office as saying.

The constituency-specific turnout figures were: 13.1 per cent in Dhaka-1, 13.2 per cent in Dhaka-2, 10.8 per cent in Dhaka-3, 9.9 per cent in Dhaka-19, and 13 per cent in Dhaka-20.

February 12, 2026, 11:07:04 (IST)

Yunus has called the Bangladesh election as the “birthday of a new Bangladesh”.

Yunus and others opposed to former premier Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted after weekslong mass protests in August 2024, have sought to reshape Bangladesh socially, politically, and constitutionally.

“This is a day of great joy. Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh. We will celebrate this birthday throughout the day,” said Yunus, according to The Daily Star.

Yunus further said, “Through today’s process, people have rejected the past. Whatever nightmarish past existed, we have completely discarded it. From today, at every step, we have gained the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh.”

Yunus urged citizens to participate in the ‘July referendum’ to help build a new Bangladesh.

“I feel very happy. This is a day of great joy for me. It is a day of great joy for everyone in Bangladesh. A day of liberation. The end of our nightmares and the beginning of new dreams, that is what today’s process is for,” said Yunus.

February 12, 2026, 10:32:06 (IST)

Bangladeshis are flocking to polling stations for the nation’s 13th parliamentary election. Voting is ongoing across 299 constituencies, backed by a massive security presence of nearly 1 million personnel.

Voting is underway in Bangladesh, where over 12 crore voters will determine who will rule one of the most-populated countries after the Hasina-Khaleda era. While there are several parties in the fray this time, the primary contest is between the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami.… pic.twitter.com/6MoGazOHGm

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 10:09:17 (IST)

Interim government head Muhammad Yunus arrived at a polling station in Dhaka to cast his ballot.

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 10:02:56 (IST)

After casting his vote in Dhaka, AMM Nasir Uddin expressed confidence in the ongoing election process.

“We aimed to gift the nation an election celebrated in a festive spirit,” he told reporters, noting that voters nationwide were traveling to their hometowns to cast ballots, “just like going home for Eid.”

He added that Bangladesh has “boarded the train of democracy” and is steadily moving toward its destination.

Nasir Uddin also mentioned meeting numerous international election observers and watchdogs recently, asserting that they were “very satisfied with the arrangements” made by the Election Commission.

February 12, 2026, 09:54:44 (IST)

Voter turnout remains low in Gopalganj, a traditional Awami League bastion, as Bangladesh heads into its 2026 elections.

The district, home to former leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter, ousted ex‑prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has roughly a million registered voters. Polling agents had anticipated around 50% turnout, but reports from BBC indicate only a handful of voters were seen at polling stations early this morning.

Despite the slow start, officials remain hopeful that more voters will arrive as the day progresses.

February 12, 2026, 09:31:05 (IST)

After casting his vote, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman called the election a “turning point” for Bangladesh. The election comes 18 months after Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule ended 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.”

February 12, 2026, 09:17:50 (IST)

For the first time in its history, Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated a Hindu candidate in Bangladesh’s national election. Krishna Nandi, who leads the Dumuria unit of the party’s Hindu committee, is contesting from the Hindu-majority Khulna-1 constituency in the 13th parliamentary polls.

February 12, 2026, 09:02:29 (IST)

Young, first-time voters constitute the majority of early participants, reported the Daily Star, highlighting strong engagement among Bangladesh’s youth.

February 12, 2026, 08:52:16 (IST)

The Bangladesh Awami League has questioned the integrity of the ongoing elections, alleging irregularities at polling stations in Dhaka.

In a post on X, the party claimed that ballot papers were being stamped in the absence of voters at a centre in Ward 43 of Dhaka-6, at Jubilee School and College. It further alleged that the centre had been occupied beforehand and that ballot boxes were being stuffed “under the cover of darkness.”

Overnight Ballots, Empty Polling Stations — Is This an Election or a Takeover?

No voters. No transparency. No democracy.

In Ward 43 of Dhaka-6, the Jubilee School and College polling centre was reportedly occupied in advance. While citizens remain absent, ballot papers are… pic.twitter.com/p0N1a58lcI

— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) February 11, 2026

February 12, 2026, 08:47:18 (IST)

Claims have emerged from the Baruna-1 constituency amid Bangladesh’s parliamentary polls, with videos shared online alleging that presiding officers signed blank result sheets. Authorities have yet to issue any official statement in response to the allegations.

Serious allegations have surfaced from the Baruna-1 constituency during Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections. Footage circulating online claims presiding officers signed blank result sheets. There has been no official response from authorities so far.@_pallavighosh LIVE from… pic.twitter.com/oc14znAd7r

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 08:43:43 (IST)

Many voters appeared emotional and visibly moved after casting their ballots in Bangladesh’s high-stakes 13th parliamentary election. For many, the vote marked a historic moment amid political upheaval and change, with citizens expressing hope, relief and a sense of responsibility after participating in what is being seen as a defining election for the country’s future.

VIDEO | Bangladesh Elections 2026: A woman voter is overwhelmed after casting her vote at a polling booth in Dhaka.

The Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements, deploying nearly 1 million security personnel — the largest-ever in the country’s electoral… pic.twitter.com/rWii0EGv6x

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026

VIDEO | Bangladesh Elections 2026: A voter is overwhelmed after casting his vote at a polling booth in Dhaka.

He says, “Our vote day is like Eid day. We are all very happy.”

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/JvOXJgbKMF

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 08:39:21 (IST)

The United Nations office in Bangladesh has raised alarm over incidents of violence and harassment targeting women candidates and voters ahead of the election, including abuse online.

In a statement issued on the eve of the polls, the UN Resident Coordinator’s office said: “Women in public life, including political leaders, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, are reporting increased incidents of cyberbullying, deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and image-based abuse, including AI-altered and sexualised content.”

February 12, 2026, 08:23:25 (IST)

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir cast his vote at Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School centre, reported the Daily Star.

Photo credits: Daily Star

February 12, 2026, 08:21:06 (IST)

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Ameer Shafiqur Rahman cast his ballot at the Manipur High School polling centre, reported the Daily Star.

Photo credits: Daily Star

February 12, 2026, 08:02:21 (IST)

In previous elections, unofficial trends typically began emerging early the following morning. However, Election Commission of Bangladesh (ECB) officials have indicated that counting may take more time this year. The delay is due to the dual process involving white ballot papers for parliamentary seats and pink ballots for the July National Charter referendum.

VIDEO | Voting began on Thursday morning in Bangladesh’s crucial general election — the first since the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina in massive nationwide protests in August 2024. Visuals from Dhaka.

The voting started in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies… pic.twitter.com/Vn9V7daEJ6

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 07:57:22 (IST)

As Bangladesh heads to the polls today,  former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India.She has been residing in a secure, undisclosed location in or near New Delhi since her ouster in August 2024.

February 12, 2026, 07:49:32 (IST)

Balloting for Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Election began nationwide this morning, with voters set to choose a new government and weigh in on a national referendum regarded as crucial to the country’s democratic future.

Polling started at 7:30am and will run uninterrupted until 4:30pm across 42,779 centres nationwide.

February 12, 2026, 07:37:48 (IST)

Tarique Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and ex-Prime Minister
Khaleda Zia, has emerged as a likely frontrunner in Bangladesh’s 2026 general election after returning from nearly 17 years in exile. Seen as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) key figure, Rahman is aiming for the prime minister’s post in polls that could reshape the country’s political landscape. His rise follows the ouster of former leader Sheikh Hasina and reflects broad shifts in voter sentiment. Rahman’s leadership and political legacy make him a central contender in the race to lead Bangladesh’s next government.

February 12, 2026, 07:21:54 (IST)

Voting in Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Election got underway this morning, as citizens head to the polls to choose a new government and take part in a national referendum seen as crucial to the country’s democratic path.

#WATCH | Bangladesh: Long queues of voters witnessed at a polling centre at the Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka. Security has been tightened outside the polling centre.

Voting for the 13th Parliamentary elections begins. pic.twitter.com/DQTqJlTxyv

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 07:12:12 (IST)

Lengthy lines of voters were seen outside a polling station at Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka, waiting for their turn to vote.

#WATCH | Bangladesh: Long queues of voters witnessed at a polling centre at the Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka, as they await their turn to cast a vote.

Voting for the 13th Parliamentary elections begins. Parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by… pic.twitter.com/j8HHYzF9pr

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 07:08:56 (IST)

Around 48 lakh mobile phone users have left Dhaka since February 9 as voters head to their hometowns ahead of Thursday’s national election and referendum, mobile operator data shows, as cited by the Daily Star. The large outflow reflects widespread movement out of the capital as people plan to cast ballots. Bus, launch and train terminals have been overflowing, with buses departing at nearly double the usual daily rate. Heavy crowds were also seen at river terminals and trains, some packed beyond capacity. The surge has left Dhaka unusually quiet as residents travel across the country to participate in the polls.

Photo credits: Daily Star

February 12, 2026, 06:53:42 (IST)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is ramping up grassroots efforts to boost voter turnout ahead of the national election, fearing rival parties may spread fear and sabotage turnout, reported the Daily Star. BNP leaders have instructed local activists to support voters reaching polling centres, maintain peaceful environments, and counter misinformation on social media. They plan to deploy hundreds of activists outside each polling centre, provide transport for voters, and coordinate with law enforcement to prevent disruptions.

February 12, 2026, 06:47:58 (IST)

Bangladesh’s February 12 general election is the largest since independence, with over 127 million voters and nearly 2 000 candidates. It’s the first vote after the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina and bans her Awami League. Main rivals are the BNP and an 11-party alliance, alongside a constitutional referendum.

Learn everything about the landmark election
here.

February 12, 2026, 06:46:34 (IST)

Scenes outside a polling station at Shantibagh High School in Dhaka ahead of voting for the 13th Parliamentary elections. Polling is set to start at 7:30 am local time and will continue until 4:30 pm.

#WATCH | Bangladesh | Visuals from outside a polling centre at the Shantibagh High School in Dhaka. Voting for the 13th Parliamentary elections is scheduled to begin at 7:30 am (local time) and continue until 4:30 pm (local time).

Various parties, including the Bangladesh… pic.twitter.com/AuxjiLjcbW

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 06:00:42 (IST)

With Hasina’s Awami League being dissolved, the election is widely seen as a two-way race between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami.

While the BNP is favoured, the Jamaat, which is leading a coalition of nearly a dozen parties, including the student-led National Citizen Party, could spring an upset.

But what do we know about the Jamaat? Can Bangladesh’s Islamists lead the nation?

Read the full report
here.

February 12, 2026, 05:49:47 (IST)

Bangladesh Awami League has appealed to the international community to “save Bangladesh from collapse,” alleging widespread intimidation, violence and manipulation ahead of the national election and referendum.

In a statement posted on X, the party claimed the polls are designed to exclude not just the Awami League but other parties opposed to “radical ideology.” It alleged that millions of voters are facing threats, coercion.

An Appeal to the International Community to Save Bangladesh from Collapse
—
This staged exercise is not only about excluding Awami League. Rather this sham polls excludes several political parities that opposed to radical ideology and stands for a liberal country. Merely for… pic.twitter.com/s5jbn4TN5f

— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026, 05:21:07 (IST)

The Awami League (AL) has been barred from the national elections following a series of legal and administrative actions taken by the interim government and the Election Commission.  The disqualification is rooted in the “Monsoon Revolution” of mid-2024, which led to the ouster