By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Feb 11, 2026 (BSS) - The vibrant 20-day election campaign in Rajshahi Division ended at 7:30am on Tuesday, setting the stage for voting in the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum to be held on February 12.

With campaigning over, candidates and supporters are now awaiting the ballot battle amid tight security arrangements across the division.

At the final stage of campaigning, the two major contenders-BNP and Jamaat-held large rallies and processions, mobilising leaders and activists in a show of strength.

The Returning Officer's office has already begun dispatching election materials as part of the final preparations.

Rajshahi Division has a total of 16,377,096 registered voters. Of them, 8,194,205 are male, 8,182,717 female and 174 transgender voters.

There are 5,504 polling centres across the division, including 2,533 identified as important centres and 2,971 as general centres.

In Rajshahi district alone, the number of voters stands at 2,263,964, including 1,123,904 male voters, 1,140,035 female voters and 25 third-gender voters.

A total of 209 candidates are contesting in 39 constituencies in the division, while 31 candidates are competing in six constituencies in Rajshahi district.

In Rajshahi-1 (Tanore-Godagari), Jamaat nominee Md Mujibur Rahman is facing BNP nominee Sharif Uddin.

In Rajshahi-2 (Sadar), BNP candidate Mizanur Rahman Minu is contesting against Jamaat candidate Mohammad Jahangir.

In Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur), BNP candidate Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon is competing with Jamaat candidate Abul Kalam Azad.

In Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara), BNP candidate DMD Ziaur Rahman is up against Jamaat candidate Abdul Bari Sardar.

In Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur), BNP candidate Professor Nazrul Islam is contesting against Jamaat candidate Manjur Rahman.

In Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha), BNP candidate Abu Saeed Chand is facing Jamaat candidate Nazmul Haque.

According to a Rajshahi Police source, more than 110,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across the eight districts of the division for the election.

Over 3,000 personnel will be stationed in each upazila. Of them, 13,796 police members will perform election duties, including 7,605 stationed at polling centres. An additional 6,191 police personnel will be deployed in Rajshahi.

A total of 2,159 body-worn cameras under Rajshahi Range Police will remain operational during the polls. Each polling centre will be guarded by 13 Ansar members and four police personnel.

Around 500 members of RAB-5 will be deployed in five districts under its jurisdiction, with patrols already underway. In addition, 700 members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will remain on duty in six constituencies of the district.

Across the division's 5,504 polling centres, there will be 5,504 presiding officers. In 31,323 polling booths, two polling officers will serve in each booth, totalling 62,646 polling officers. One assistant presiding officer will also be assigned to each booth. Five percent standby officers will remain at the respective district Returning Officer offices.

Sources said ballot papers were sent last Sunday to the upazila level for five parliamentary constituencies, excluding Rajshahi-2 (Sadar). During transportation, executive magistrates, law enforcement personnel and election officials were present, and the ballots were delivered under special security measures.

Upon arrival at the upazila election offices, the ballots were stored in designated strong rooms.

On February 11, ballot papers and other voting materials will be sent from the upazila level to the polling centres. However, ballot papers for Rajshahi-2 (Sadar) will be dispatched today from Madrasa Maidan to all polling centres in the city.

Senior Election Officer of Rajshahi district Motawakkil Rahman said, "Our preparations are complete. We hope for a fair election."

Regional Election Officer Anisur Rahman said, "We have taken all necessary preparations. Voters will go to the centres without fear and exercise their voting rights."

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid said more than 110,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across the division to ensure a peaceful election.

"We are ensuring that every voter can come and cast their vote safely," he added.

Voting will be held uninterrupted from 7:30am to 4:30pm on February 12. Simultaneously, a referendum on proposed constitutional and state reforms will also be conducted, allowing voters to give their verdict on the proposed changes.