Staff Correspondent
Mentioning that the Election Day was peaceful and orderly, AFED, Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy, noted that the day had been peaceful and orderly and called for patience among parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure a smooth conclusion of the process.
AFED made the observations at a press conference, held at a city hotel on Friday.
Founder Chairperson of Democracywatch, Taleya Rehman and AFED spokesperson Harun-Or-Rashid addressed the press conference.
While addressing, Harun-Or-Rashid said “Yesterday was an historic moment for us as citizens of Bangladesh. After many years, voters were able to cast their ballots in a peaceful environment where candidates could compete. In much of the country, the day was marked by a calm and festive atmosphere.”
On Election Day, AFED noted that the opening and voting was organised in an orderly manner. Polling stations were set up to protect the secrecy of the vote. Party and candidate agents were present throughout the day, which contributed to transparency.
AFED saw just a few minor incidents of the voting process being interrupted. Closing and counting similarly followed established procedures, and in a vast majority of observed polling stations AFED observed no interference in the process.
The results of the parliamentary elections were publicly posted in over 95 percent of the polling centers observed, promoting transparency.
“The Election Commission’s 785,225 polling officials worked tirelessly at the polling stations throughout the day. The presence and behaviour of law enforcement agencies ensured a safe environment. Political parties and candidates showed responsibility and commitment to the process. And last but not least voters waited patiently for their turn to cast the ballot”, Harun added
He said AFED noted that whilst election observers from their network were largely free to observe the opening and the voting, one fifth of their teams faced challenges to access polling centres at the stage of the counting. This undermined the transparency principle and should be addressed in future elections. “Now is the time to stay focused and see the process through to the end.
While addressing, Taleya Rehman said AFED, the Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy, is a national platform of 30 reputable civil society organizations established ahead of the 2026 elections to conduct independent and non-partisan citizen election observation.
She said AFED deployed a more than 2.800 observers on Election Day. 175 Long-Term Observers will continue observing the post-election stage until 26 February 2026.
AFED election observation activities are supported by funding from the European Union. Disclaimer: The findings shared in AFED’s press release and preliminary statements are solely the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
