Election monitors from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) yesterday said voting in the 13th national polls and referendum was mostly festive, orderly, and peaceful.

As voting in the 13th parliamentary election and a nationwide referendum began yesterday morning, first-time and young voters turned out in large numbers across the country, many describing the experience as emotional and historic.

Bangladesh’s historic election yesterday drew the attention of global media, which highlighted the backdrop of the polls, possible outcomes, the challenges it faces and expectations of the people for a democratic and inclusive country.

The Election Commission has decided to withhold publication of the result of the Chattogram-4 constituency in the 13th national election, citing a pending appeal before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

Disinformation reached a fever pitch during Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary polls as spin doctors launched a relentless campaign on Facebook and Telegram, beginning on the eve of the election and surging through the voting period yesterday.

At least 10 people were jailed for different terms, nine were detained and three electoral officials were withdrawn over alleged polling irregularities during the 13th national election and referendum held yesterday.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday alleged that the results of several constituencies in the 13th national election were being “withheld” during the vote-counting process.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the entire nation as voting in the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum-2026 concluded in a peaceful, orderly, and festive environment.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed party leaders and activists not to organise any victory processions, rallies or public gatherings anywhere in the country over the election results.

The BNP is on course for a thumping win in the 13th national election, where millions of voters exercised their long-denied franchise in a festive and peaceful atmosphere yesterday.

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Polling centres across Dhaka city came alive yesterday as young first‑time voters lined up with the elderly, each determined to make their voices count in the 13th national election.

Voting in the 13th national election was held in a peaceful and festive atmosphere yesterday across the three hill districts -- Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari -- with no major untoward incidents reported.

For the first time in 56 years, women from Rupsha South union under Faridganj upazila of Chandpur exercised their franchise in the 13th national election and referendum held yesterday.

A rare display of camaraderie among rival candidates drew attention in the Narsingdi-1 (Sadar) constituency yesterday morning, as three contestants were seen chatting and exchanging light-hearted remarks while visiting polling centres.

At least 72 people were injured in 14 incidents during polling across the country yesterday.

At least eight people, including a presiding officer, a polling officer, and a member of village police, died after falling ill inside or near polling stations during voting hours in seven districts yesterday.

The elections in Bangladesh and Nepal following uprisings offer new chapters for US engagement in South Asia, US Representative Bill Huizenga said.

Three visually impaired men travelled across districts yesterday to cast their ballots, saying they were determined to fulfil their civic duty and be recognised as equal citizens.

Asif Mahmud claims discrepancies in vote tallies across key Dhaka seats