CHAPAINAWABGANJ, Feb 12,(V7N) - Voting is progressing peacefully in Chapainawabganj district, marked by enthusiastic participation and a notable presence of women voters across the constituencies.

Polling for the 13th National Parliament Election and the referendum began at 7:30 am on Thursday and is being held simultaneously at 515 polling centres in the district’s three constituencies.

According to the District Election Office, a total of 1,429,660 voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Visits to several polling centres indicated a calm and orderly environment.

District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Shahadat Hossain Masud said all necessary preparations had been completed to ensure fair voting. “The army, BGB, police, RAB and Ansar are working in coordination to ensure smooth polling,” he said.

Of the 515 polling centres, 115 have been designated as key centres. Each centre has been staffed with 16 Ansar members, one armed police officer and two unarmed police officers. Additionally, 22 executive magistrates are on duty across the district.

Voters expressed satisfaction and excitement while casting their ballots. Khairul Islam, a 38-year-old first-time voter at the Government High School polling centre in Shibganj upazila, said, “I could not vote in the last three elections. This time, I am voting for the first time in my life. It feels wonderful, like the joy of Eid.”

Ninety-year-old Akali Mandal, who was seen waiting in a queue, said, “I came after breakfast and saw a long line. Even then, I am still standing to vote. It feels very good to exercise my right after many years.”

Preliminary reports from 20 to 25 polling centres indicated that around 50 percent of voters had cast their ballots by 2:00 pm.

The district administration said it continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure that voting for the remainder of the day proceeds smoothly and concludes without incident.

END/CHP/RH