Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The participation of women voters was 
noticeably high at almost all polling centers in Rajshahi. 

From the morning, a higher presence of women voters compared to men was 
observed at various polling stations. 

Meanwhile, 46.23 percent of votes were cast till 2:00 PM today (12 February).

District Election Officer Motawakkil Rahman confirmed the turnout figure. He 
said that from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm, 46.16 percent of voters in the Rajshahi 
constituencies had cast their votes. 

He added that the turnout percentage is expected to increase further in the 
remaining hours.
 
Among the constituencies, Rajshahi-1 recorded 45 percent turnout, Rajshahi-2 
recorded 45 percent, Rajshahi-3 recorded 44 percent, Rajshahi-4 recorded 49 
percent, Rajshahi-5 recorded 48 percent, and Rajshahi-6 recorded 46 percent.
 
Visits to various polling centers in the district and metropolitan areas 
revealed that women voters outnumbered men. 

At the Nowhata Girls' High School polling center in Paba upazila, a large 
portion of the voters present were Hindu women. Women voters participated 
spontaneously in exercising their voting rights.
 
Presiding Officer Moharam Ali Khan said that the presence of women voters had 
been satisfactory since morning, with women outnumbering men. 

He added that voting was being conducted peacefully at the center.
 
After casting her vote, 78-year-old Renubala from the Nowhata Haldarpara area 
said she was happy to exercise her democratic right. 

"Despite my age, I consider voting my responsibility," she said. 

Meanwhile, Rupali Rani from Nowhata Aluhata expressed her excitement after 
voting for the first time in 17 years. She said, "I feel good to be able to 
vote this time. I have had the opportunity to express my opinion."
 
At Sridharpur Government Primary School in Durgapur Upazila in the afternoon, 
long lines of women voters were seen. 

A woman named Julekha Begum said, "Everyone in our village has come to vote. 
We will vote for the most qualified candidate."
 
According to the election office, there are 32 candidates contesting in six 
constituencies in Rajshahi. 

The total number of voters is 2,291,201, including 1,152,508 women and 
1,138,637 men. There are also 28 third-gender voters. 

Voting is underway at 778 centers across nine upazilas and the metropolitan 
area. 

Members of law enforcement agencies are on duty to ensure a peaceful 
election. Voting will continue until 4:30 pm.