The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has informed that approximately 40% of the votes have been cast in the 12th Jatiya Sangsad election, surpassing the levels seen in the 2014 and 2018 polls. However, he mentioned that this percentage is subject to change, either increasing or decreasing.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday (January 7th) afternoon at the Election Bhaban, the CEC stated, “In the morning, we observed a peaceful situation. Later, information from various sources indicated no serious incidents of violence. Despite this, we have taken precautions and carried out arrests, handling cases. Unfortunately, two election officials have died due to heart attacks. We extend our condolences to their families.”
Regarding fatalities during the election, the CEC assured that no incidents of violence resulting in death had occurred. He acknowledged some complaints, particularly about tampering with ballot seals, and assured that the monitoring cell was addressing these issues promptly. The CEC reported that one candidate’s nomination had been canceled at the last moment.
He clarified that the final percentage has not been determined yet, but the data received indicates a 40% voter turnout. He added, “Entries have been made based on the available information, accounting for 40%. It may increase or decrease.”
The CEC mentioned efforts by a major political party to discourage voting, resulting in a slightly lower turnout in certain areas. Some ballots were invalidated in specific cases, and these would be excluded from the final count as they lacked proper seals or signatures.
Present at the briefing were Brigadier General Mohammad Ahsan Habib Khan (Retired), Begum Rashida Sultana, Mohammad Alomgir, Anisur Rahman, and EC Secretary Mohammad Jahangir Alam.
