Voting begins peacefully in Sylhet with strong security and festive atmosphere. Photo : BSS

SYLHET, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting for the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum began in Sylhet this morning in a festive and peaceful atmosphere. Polling started at 7:30 am across the division and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 pm.

From early morning, large numbers of voters gathered at polling centres, braving the winter chill to cast their ballots. Many expressed enthusiasm at being able to vote after 17 years, describing the opportunity to participate in both the parliamentary election and the referendum as a moment of great joy.

Voters were seen lining up even before polling officially began. Long queues of men and women formed at centres across the city and district areas. 

At the Pathantula Jamia polling station in Sylhet city, voters waited at the gate ahead of the opening. After voting commenced at 7:30 am, steady lines were observed in front of the booths, while turnout at the adjacent women's centre appeared even higher. The presiding officer there said the men's centre has 87 booths.

Authorities have taken extensive security measures to ensure peaceful voting. In addition to police deployment, a striking force comprising members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been stationed throughout the division.

Sylhet division has 19 parliamentary seats, with a total of 105 candidates contesting. Of them, 33 are vying for six seats in Sylhet district, 23 in Sunamganj, 24 in Moulvibazar, and 25 in Habiganj.

The total number of voters in Sylhet division stands at 8,341,147. Sylhet district has 2,868,889 voters, Sunamganj 2,062,205, Moulvibazar 1,591,306, and Habiganj 1,818,747.

Sylhet Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam said election campaigning concluded peacefully in the division without any major incidents. "We hope the election will also be completed peacefully," he said.

 "The maximum number of forces, including the army, RAB, and BGB, have been deployed this time. Such deployment was not seen in previous elections. Drone cameras will also be used for monitoring. There are 47 executive magistrates on duty. We are determined to ensure a fair election at any cost," he added.

RAB-9 Commander Wing Commander Tajminur Rahman Chowdhury said the overall law and order situation in Sylhet remains calm, with only a few isolated incidents reported. He noted that around 80 percent of illegal weapons have been recovered during joint force operations.

"Regular patrols and surveillance are being conducted in minority and tea worker-populated areas to ensure voters' safety and confidence. If any complaint is received on polling day, RAB will take necessary action upon being contacted," he said.

A total of 550 RAB personnel have been deployed across Sylhet for election duty. In addition to round-the-clock monitoring using modern technology, a bomb disposal unit will remain active in sensitive areas. Furthermore, 55 platoons of BGB have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents during the polls.