Peaceful voting underway in Chattogram with festive mood and strong security. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting in the much-hyped 13th parliamentary election and referendum began peacefully across Chattogram city and district this morning amid a festive atmosphere and tight security.

Polling started at 7:30 am at all 1,965 centres under 16 constituencies, election officials said.

Large numbers of voters, including women and young people, were seen standing in queues in front of polling centres well before the official start of voting.

Returning Officer Mohammad Zahedul Islam Meah told journalists that voting was underway in a peaceful and lively atmosphere with the presence of enthusiastic voters.

Members of law enforcement agencies were deployed in large numbers to avert any untoward incidents. Stationary and mobile teams remained vigilant in and around polling centres.

According to the election control room, voting was progressing smoothly with no reports of any unpleasant incidents as of 10:00 am.

Professor Kabir Hossain, Presiding Officer of Kazem Ali High School polling centre under Chattogram-9 (Kotowali-Bakalia) constituency, said voting began on time in a peaceful atmosphere with a significant turnout.
He said 321 out of 5,163 registered voters had cast their ballots at the centre by 8:30 am.

Professor Muhibullah, Presiding Officer of Dr Khastogir High School polling centre, also under Chattogram-9 constituency, said voter turnout was gradually increasing.

He said 226 out of 4,087 voters had cast their votes at the centre by 8:45am. Polling agents of major candidates were present.

Several prominent candidates exercised their franchise in the morning.
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, contesting from Chattogram-11, cast his vote at Uttar Kattoli Munsipara Government Primary School.

BNP central leader Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, contesting from Chattogram-5 (Hathazari-Panchlaish), voted at Mirer Khil Government Primary School at 8:00 am.

City unit BNP President Ershadullah, a candidate from Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali-Chandgaon), cast his vote at Kalamia Government Primary School in the city's C&B area at 9:00 am.

LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed voted at Chandanaish Free Primary School under Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish-Satkania).

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shahjahan Chowdhury, contesting from Chattogram-15 (Satkania-Lohagara), cast his vote at Chamadarpara High School at 8:30 am.

BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury, a candidate from Chattogram-3 (Sitakunda), voted at Madrasa Mohammadia Sunnia centre in Bhatiary, while BNP leader Md Abu Sufian cast his ballot at CDA Public School and College in Chandgaon residential area.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr Fazlul Huque, contesting from Chattogram-9 (Kotowali-Bakalia), voted at Dr Khastogir High School at 8:00 am.

Huge queues of voters were also seen at Purba Gatiadanga Habibul Ulum Dakhil Madrasa and Purba Gatiadanga Hungarmukh Government Primary School in Satkania upazila.

The Presiding Officer of Habibul Ulum Dakhil Madrasa centre said voting began at 7:30 am though voters had gathered much earlier.

Two armed police personnel along with 13 Ansars, including female Ansars, were deployed at the centre. 

There are four polling booths at the centre - two for male and two for female voters.

Sources at the District Police and Chattogram Metropolitan Police control rooms said the overall law and order situation remained peaceful, with no reports of untoward incidents as of 9:00 am.