CHATTOGRAM, February 11, 2026 (BSS) - Preparations for voting in all 16 parliamentary constituencies of Chattogram have been completed, Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Zahidul Islam Miah said today. 

The process was supervised by three returning officers, he said.

Voting materials, including ballot papers for both the referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election, were delivered to 1,965 polling stations across the district by 4:00 pm. Presiding officers and polling staff are now setting up secret ballot rooms and security arrangements at their respective centres.

Zahidul Islam said the district has remained peaceful and orderly since the election code of conduct came into effect. "We are currently inspecting the final preparations in Sitakunda, Raozan, and Rangunia along with vigilance and observation teams," he added.

As voting day approaches, both candidates and voters are eagerly awaiting what many are calling a "voting festival." 

The election atmosphere in Chattogram has grown increasingly lively. Voting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 am on Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, many people were seen leaving the city for rural areas to cast their votes. The movement of voters began on Tuesday.

Chattogram city appeared comparatively quiet on Wednesday as election equipment distribution centres for the 16 constituencies operated from the Chattogram District Stadium ground at Kazir Deuri. By 10:00 am, equipment had been handed over to presiding officers, who later completed booth setup at their respective polling stations.

Additional Regional Election Officer Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain confirmed that the distribution of materials to polling stations was completed smoothly. Earlier, equipment for upazila constituencies had been sent to assistant returning officers' offices before being distributed to the polling centres.

Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr. Ziauddin said all necessary preparations have been made to ensure a festive and peaceful election. "At present, there are no perceived risks. The administration and law enforcement agencies are working together to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election," he said, adding that important polling stations are under special surveillance.

During a visit to the equipment distribution centre at the District Stadium, Zahidul Islam Miah said the entire district has been placed under tight security. More than 40,000 law enforcement personnel and around 115 judicial and executive magistrates have been deployed. Each magistrate is supervising a strike force and conducting round-the-clock patrols.

Authorities have also seized cash during regular search operations, and legal action is being taken based on intelligence reports.

"The goal of this year's election is not only to conduct voting and announce results," Zahidul Islam said. "Our priority is to ensure that every voter can cast their vote in a festive and secure environment and return home safely."

Chattogram RAB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. Hafizur Rahman said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is prepared to take strict legal action against any attempt at violence or sabotage. He conducted patrols in key areas of the metropolis and visited several polling stations on Wednesday.

RAB is maintaining maximum vigilance to ensure peaceful voting, he said, encouraging voters to participate actively in electing leadership for a prosperous Bangladesh.

A total of 6,682,517 voters are registered in the 16 parliamentary constituencies of Chattogram metropolis and district. Of them, 3,483,877 are male, 3,198,570 are female, and 70 are third-gender voters. They will cast their votes at 1,965 polling stations across the district.

The district administration has confirmed that adequate security and administrative measures are in place at every polling station to ensure smooth voting.