Cumilla voters turn out enthusiastically for peaceful, historic 13th election. Photo : BSS

CUMILLA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) – Voting in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and referendum is underway in Cumilla after 17 years, marked by huge enthusiasm and spontaneous participation of voters.

Polling began this morning at nearly 1,500 centres across the district’s 11 parliamentary constituencies.

Long queues of voters were seen at almost every centre. With men and women, youths, elderly people, first-time voters, ethnic communities and religious minorities joining in, a joyful and festive atmosphere is prevailing across the district.

Voter presence was significant from the start of polling at 7:30am, with turnout continuing to rise as the day progresses.

At many centres, women voters were seen waiting for long time in separate queues. In some places, young voters were taking selfies and sharing their first voting experience on social media. The alert presence of law enforcement agencies at the centres has created confidence among voters.

The administration said extensive security measures have been taken across Cumilla to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and neutral election. 

Voting is being held with the participation of around 50,00,000 voters in the district’s 11 constituencies. 

A total of 26,334 members of law enforcement agencies are on duty at nearly 1,500 centres, alongside 98 executive and judicial magistrates deployed in the field.

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Reza Hasan said polling has been continuing peacefully in the district’s 11 constituencies since morning. 

A total of 73 executive magistrates and 25 judicial magistrates are performing duties in these constituencies, he said, adding that 55 platoons of the army, 39 platoons of BGB and 24 mobile teams of RAB are also on duty.

He said voters are able to cast their votes without obstruction and no untoward incidents have been reported anywhere.

At Neura Government Primary School centre in Cumilla Sadar South, sexagenarian voter Abdul Kader said he had seen many elections but had not witnessed such a peaceful and festive atmosphere for a long time. 

“I came early in the morning to vote. I feel very good after voting,” he said.

At Neura Mominul Islam High School centre, housewife Sheuli Akter said women are able to vote in a safe environment with separate queues and adequate security. 

“It feels joyful to vote in such an environment after a long time,” she added.

At Sangraish Saleha Girls’ High School centre in Ward No-16 of the city, Cumilla Victoria Government College student Moumita Poran Nishi, who came to vote for the first time, said, “Today is my first vote in life. I came to the centre with friends in the morning. I am standing in line but not feeling irritated. I feel like I am part of a historic moment.”

At Kotbari Changini Primary School centre, hill community voter Jyoti Ranjan Tripura said his entire family came to vote and expressed satisfaction at the peaceful environment. 

He said people from his community were also voting with enthusiasm this time.

At one centre, an elderly voter was brought in a wheelchair by his son. Eighty-two-year-old Abul Hossain said, “My health is not good, yet I came to vote. Today’s environment inspired me.”

Young women voters were also seen in large numbers. College student Sumaiya Nasrin said, “We want to be part of change. I feel proud to vote.”

A disciplined environment was observed outside the polling centres as law enforcement personnel maintained alert positions and monitored the voting process.

Presiding officers inside the centres assisted voters. No reports of untoward incidents were received anywhere till filling of this report.