DHAKA, Feb 12, (V7N): Authorities began counting postal ballots for 13 constituencies in the capital at 4:30 pm today, immediately after voting concluded in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections.

Md. Abdur Rahim, Director of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office, confirmed the development while speaking to BSS.

“The counting of postal ballots started at 4:30 pm at Will's Little Flower School and College in Kakrail for 13 constituencies,” he said.

The Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office, which also functions as the Returning Officer’s Office, is overseeing the counting process for Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-6, Dhaka-7, Dhaka-8, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-11, Dhaka-12, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-16, Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18 constituencies.

Rahim said the collection of postal ballots began on February 3. Owing to space constraints at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office, the counting is being conducted at Will's Little Flower School and College.

He added that the results of the postal ballots will be sent directly to the Divisional Commissioner’s Office. The totals will be added to the regular vote counts before preliminary constituency-wise results are announced.

Dhaka has a total of 20 constituencies. Of these, 15 are located within the metropolitan area. The Dhaka Divisional Commissioner oversees 13 constituencies, while two fall under the Regional Election Commission and the remaining five are supervised by the District Commissioner.

END/AJ/RH/