Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, cast his vote in the 13th National Parliament election and the constitutional reform referendum on Thursday (February 12). He exercised his franchise at around 10:00 a.m. at the Model High School and College Centre in Gulshan-2, Dhaka.
Following the bloody July uprising and a turbulent interim period, citizens across Bangladesh are voting with hopes of a democratic transition. Alongside electing parliamentary representatives, voters are also giving their opinion on state reforms through the referendum.
Earlier at the same centre, BNP Chairperson and Dhaka-17 candidate Tarique Rahman, as well as Power and Energy Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan, cast their ballots.
In the Dhaka-17 constituency, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is contesting under the party symbol “Sheaf of Paddy.” The 11-party electoral alliance has nominated Dr Khaliduzzaman to contest under the “Scales” symbol. From the outset, the main contest in the constituency has centered on these two symbols.
Polling centres reported a festive atmosphere, with tight security measures in place. Voter turnout has been gradual throughout the day.
Dhaka-17 constituency comprises Gulshan, Banani, Niketan, Mohakhali, Korail slum, Baridhara, Shahjadpur, Kalachandpur, Bhashantek, Matikata, and parts of Dhaka Cantonment. The total number of registered voters in the constituency is 333,777, including 174,709 male voters and 159,060 female voters. There are also eight registered third-gender voters.
A total of 11 candidates are contesting in the constituency. However, five independent candidates withdrew from the race and declared support for Tarique Rahman.
