Bagerhat election office is preparing for the 13th parliamentary polls with smooth voter registration and polling station arrangements. Photo : BSS

BAGERHAT, Sept 2, 2025 (BSS) - With the 13th parliamentary elections approaching, the Bagerhat district election office has become a hive of activity as officials and employees remain engaged in implementing the Election Commission's roadmap.

Election-related services, including voter registration, transfers and corrections, are being carried out smoothly to facilitate citizens' participation. 

Many voters who had been away from the district due to political reasons are also returning and updating their records.

Since Bagerhat's elevation from a sub-division to a district in 1984, residents have enjoyed easier access to election services.

The district now has 12,99,309 registered voters across 75 unions, nine upazilas and three municipalities, including 6,53,883 males, 6,45,417 females and nine members of the transgender community. A total of 586 polling stations are expected to be set up.

Breakdown of voter numbers across upazilas shows relatively balanced male and female participation. 

For instance, Fakirhat Upazila has 1,24,390 voters, Mollahat 1,13,206, and Chitalmari 1,20,571 - together forming a constituency of 3,58,167 voters with 161 polling stations. 

Similarly, Bagerhat Sadar and Kachua upazilas jointly account for 3,24,883 voters with 147 polling stations.

In Rampal and Mongla, there are 2,57,193 voters, while Morelganj and Sharankhola together have 3,59,666 voters, supported by 119 and 159 polling stations respectively.

A festive atmosphere has already begun to take hold in the district since the roadmap announcement. Young and first-time voters expressed excitement about casting their ballots independently and without pressure.

"We are eagerly waiting for February 2026 to exercise our voting rights," said local residents Rukaiya Amin Orin and Nasima Akhtar.

Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Election Officer Rahul Roy instructed his staff to ensure no citizen faces harassment when seeking services, while District Election Officer Md. Oliul Islam reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding a free, fair and impartial election.

"The Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus and Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin are determined to make this the most transparent election in history. We in Bagerhat are working with the same spirit," Oliul Islam told BSS.

The EC has planned for an average of 3,000 voters per polling station, with one room for every 600 male and 500 female voters. Risk-prone polling centers are set to be repaired before election day.

"Those who were left out earlier will also get the chance to be included in the voter list and cast their ballots in the upcoming election," Oliul Islam added.