DHAKA, Feb 12, (V7N): Voter turnout reached 32.88 percent by 12:00 pm today as polling continued smoothly across the country in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Akhter Ahmed confirmed the figure while briefing journalists at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon.

“We have received reports from 32,789 polling centres out of 42,651, and the voting rate at these centres is 32.88 percent,” he said.

Voting began at 7:30 am in 299 constituencies nationwide, and no delays have been reported so far. Akhter Ahmed himself cast his vote at a polling centre in Dhanmondi around 8:20 am.

He noted that the data collection system has been updated for this election, which requires slightly more time to compile turnout figures. “Previously, information was collected from presiding officers, but now it is gathered from Assistant Returning Officers to ensure greater accuracy,” he explained.

Referring to isolated incidents reported in some areas, the EC senior secretary said no polling centre had suspended voting. “The situation in these areas is under control, and the local administration has taken necessary action,” he added.

He thanked voters for their enthusiastic participation and urged all eligible citizens to cast their ballots promptly.

Expressing condolences over the death of an assistant presiding officer at a polling centre in a Mymensingh constituency early Wednesday, he said a replacement official has been assigned and voting is continuing normally in that area.

END/AJ/RH