Except some stray incidents of violence, voting in the much talked about 12th national parliamentary election held on Sunday was peaceful in the country amid festive atmosphere and strict security measures. A large number of voters, including women, youth and aged persons, were seen standing in long queues to cast their votes spontaneously at different polling centres across the country.
The voting began at 8am and continued till 4pm without any break. The turnout of voters was satisfactory despite the terrorism and anti-election activities of BNP. Countrymen expressed their satisfaction over poll process, saying they thronged the vote centres amid festive mood by ignoring those who were opposing the election and the democracy as well.
Apart from countrymen, foreign election observers also witnessed calm and peaceful atmosphere at different polling centres in the country. Voters get easy access to their polling station and was able to cast their ballot while all the officers and officials on election duty were doing a great job in maintaining order.
Voter turnout was relatively higher in rural areas compared to cities including capital Dhaka. We can farmly say that the election was held in a free, fair and competitive manner with the participation of voters.
The voting festivity could not be marred through arson terrorism. Therefore, the people of the country boycotted those who opposed the vote.
Ruling Awami League is a traditional political party and development and prosperity was its gift for the people during the last 15 years. So, people went to the polling centres rejecting the opposition quarters.
It is clear to all that the BNP was frightened of polls as the people have no faith in that party. However, voters exercised their voting rights freely, braving all fears and concerns and gave their mandates for forming the next government.
Countrymen expressed their
satisfaction over poll process, saying they thronged
the vote centres amid festive mood
People cast their votes spontaneously which proved the defeat of BNP and like-minded parties which tried frantically to foil polls by discouraging voters to go to the polling centres. This also proved that voters have boycotted BNP.
BNP did not participate in the 12th National Parliamentary Election, knowing they would lose. BNP has taken a strategy of boycotting the election with various excuses, various demands.
They participated in the 2018 election and got some parliamentary seats, but this year they did not participate in the election knowing they would be defeated. BNP is involved in killing people and arson attacks just as they were in 2014. People do not want such violence. So, they came to the polling stations in a festive mood.
Those who opposed the vote politically are the enemy of the country and the democracy also. We think ‘vote festival’ continued throughout the day across the country. All, especially new voters, were very excited to exercise their franchise. The 12th general election proved once again that common people rejected BNP and its alliance and stood against arson attacks and terrorist activities.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ensured conducive election environment confronting all the barriers. Therefore, conducive environment for election has been established.
There were so many obstacles and hurdles, but the people of the country were cautious about their voting rights. National parliamentary election is held every five years.
People cast their votes freely and as the government created peaceful environment. Therefore, we appreciate the EC and government for ensuring congenial atmosphere for January 7 national election.