International observers on Thursday hailed Bangladesh's general elections, expressing optimism about the country’s democratic process.
Millions of Bangladeshis cast ballots to elect a new government for the first time since the 2024 uprising, which ended the 15-year rule of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party.
Former US Congressman David Dreier, head of a visiting International Republican Institute (IRI) election observation mission, described the election as “free, fair and festive,” local media reported. “Today is a very exciting day in the history of this wonderful country,” he said.
"This is my first visit to Bangladesh, and I can see the excitement, happiness, and festive feeling among so many Bangladeshis," Dreier was quoted as saying by local English daily Dhaka Tribune.
After visiting Manarat International School and College polling stations in Dhaka, he said he observed an orderly voting environment and a "strong sense of public enthusiasm."
Pakistan’s Election Commission Director General Nighat Siddique observed that the atmosphere is "very positive and cordial."
Speaking to reporters after visiting several polling centers in Dhaka, Siddique, who was part of the team of foreign observers accompanying the election commission, said: "People are very happy. In the yes-no vote for change, there is a lot of eagerness. Voting is proceeding peacefully, with massive participation.”
“The Bangladesh Election Commission has managed everything excellently. Voter turnout is high. Many young people, women, and elderly voters are casting their ballots. The youth are voting with great enthusiasm,” she further said.
There are some 394 international observers and about 197 foreign journalists covering the election, according to the Bangladesh Election Commission.
Vote count likely to continue into late Thursday
People stood in long queues to elect a new government for the first time since a popular uprising ended the 15-year rule of the Awami League party.
The voter turnout was recorded as 47.9 percent across 36,031 polling centers, said Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
But final voter turnout is possible only after all election centers submit their papers.
More than 127.6 million people were eligible to vote and render their verdict on constitutional reforms.
Amid heavy security with some one million security personnel deployed, voting began at 7.30 am (0130GMT) and continued for nine hours before closing at 4.30 pm (1030GMT).
The results are likely to trickle in by late Thursday local time as people elect 300 members of parliament through 42,000 voting centers across the nation.
A total of 51 political parties and 2,034 candidates are competing for parliamentary seats, including 275 independent contenders.
In addition to the 300 general seats where candidates are elected directly by people, the parliament includes 50 reserved seats for women, bringing the total size of the house to 350 members.
A Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance and a Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance are the two main contenders after the Awami League party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was barred from the polls.
