Young voters, many casting ballots for the first time, turned out in notable numbers across the capital Dhaka and elsewhere for the thirteenth parliamentary election and a concurrent referendum on Thursday, describing the process as smooth and expressing relief at exercising a right they said had been constrained in previous elections.

This marked the country’s first general election since the 2024 political transition in which a student-led mass uprising had toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. The election, held under a subsequent interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, is widely regarded as a significant chapter in the country’s democratic journey.

At Capital High School, opposite the Parliament complex, long queues of predominantly young women formed by midday. Maria Tahura, a first-time voter, told reporters she arrived anxious about the process but found it straightforward.

“I was a bit worried about casting my first vote properly, but that went away once I came to the centre,” she said. “I hope the vote concludes well — only then will peace come to the country.”

At Dr Maleka University College in Dhanmondi, Farhan voted with friends. “I didn’t think voting would be this easy,” he said. “Everything was orderly. Officials checked our voter slips and told us which room to go to. I was able to vote in a short time.”

By 1 pm at Mohammadpur Government College, first-time voter Sharif Arman said he was “very happy” but noted what he described as a modest turnout before midday.

At the same centre, Saimum linked his ballot to broader democratic aspirations. “A lot of blood was shed for this vote, for democracy. I hope voting concludes in an orderly manner. Only then will democracy live long,” he said.

At T&T High School in Dhaka-17 constituency, Md Munna Gazi described morning crowds. “This is my first time voting. It feels very good. New voters have come with a lot of enthusiasm,” he said.

Parvez Hossain, also a first-time voter, contrasted the environment with previous elections. “I’ve heard that in the last two elections, there was pressure to vote for specific candidates. This time, voters appear to be casting ballots freely. That makes me feel even more enthusiastic,” he said.

At Banani Bidyaniketan School & College, Faruk Hossain, who voted in the 12th parliamentary election in 2024, described this year’s atmosphere as more festive. “Taking part feels good,” he said.

Another first-time voter, Tanjina, said she selected a candidate who embodied the spirit of the July uprising and would bring justice to the country.

The port city Chattogram also saw strong participation from young and first-time voters. Rabiul Hasan, a University of Chittagong student voting at Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ High School, said the recent political context had generated fresh expectations among youth. “Elected representatives will ensure accountable governance,” he hoped.

At National Primary School, voter Shafiul Alam described exercising his democratic right in the post-uprising period as carrying “symbolic importance”.

Mohammad Oli Uddin, who arrived at West Madarbari Girls’ High School, said youth participation was essential to strengthen democratic practice. “People were uneasy about voting for a long time. This time, young and old alike have come to cast their ballots with hope. We expect the outcome will reflect people’s votes.”

Polling stations opened at 7:30 am across 299 constituencies. A total of 42,779 polling centres were set up nationwide for the 127.71 million registered voters. Voting in one constituency was postponed after a candidate’s death earlier.

Voting concluded at 4:30 pm after nine hours of uninterrupted balloting, with the Election Commission reporting 47.91 percent turnout at 36,031 polling stations by 2 pm.

The poll also saw noteworthy female participation, election officials and local reports indicated. While men dominated initial turnout, female attendance increased steadily through late morning and early afternoon, according to visits to multiple polling centres in Dhaka-14 and Dhaka-16.

At Lalkuthi’s Kabi Nazrul School and College, authorities designated an all-women polling centre, one of several across the capital where only female voters cast ballots in separate facilities.

Defying age and physical limitations, elderly voters across the country also turned out to cast their ballots in the national election, expressing both emotion and determination.

Ninety-five-year-old Shafiqur Rahman, a resident of Barodighi Par area in Hathazari, Chattogram, arrived at his polling centre despite his age. After voting, he said he had not been able to cast his ballot in a national election for the past 17 years.

“This time the opportunity has come, so I came to vote. I’m very old now; I don’t know whether I’ll survive until the next election. That’s why I came,” he said.

Polling officials and security personnel from the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies were deployed across the country including the capital Dhaka and port city Chattogram.

Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the interim government, described the election and simultaneous referendum as the “most peaceful and festive” in the country’s history, thanking the nation for what he called a reaffirmation of “democratic commitment”.

In a statement issued after polling closed at 4:30 pm, Dr Yunus said spontaneous turnout, responsible conduct by political parties, restraint by candidates and professionalism across election institutions underscored the country’s democratic resolve.

The chief adviser thanked the Election Commission, law-enforcement agencies, armed forces, civil administration, observer teams, media and polling personnel. “This vast democratic exercise has been successfully completed because of their dedication and effort,” he said.

With polling now closed and people of the country anticipating a credible and strong contest between candidates across 299 seats, election officials will begin tallying the ballots and announcing the results. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud yesterday had expressed confidence that results for the thirteenth parliamentary election would be announced without significant delay.

Meanwhile, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said today that the gazette of the election results would be published by February 14 at the latest. He also said that a new government would be formed between February 17 and 18.

Dr Yunus called on political parties and candidates to uphold “democratic decency, tolerance and mutual respect” after the results are declared. “Differences of opinion will remain, but we must remain united in the national interest,” he added.

“Bangladesh has proven once again today: the people are the source of all power,” Dr Yunus said. “Together we’ll move forward to build an accountable, inclusive and just state.”