In a significant show of public participation, voter turnout in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament Election and the concurrent constitutional Referendum reached 32.88% by noon on Thursday.

Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed confirmed the figures, noting that the voting process has remained smooth and spontaneous across the country.

Speaking to reporters at the Nirbachon Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon area, Akhter Ahmed reported that data from 32,789 out of 42,651 polling centers showed a consistent and enthusiastic turnout.

Despite a few isolated incidents, the Senior Secretary emphasized that the situation remains under control and that no polling center has had to suspend voting.

“Voters are exercising their rights smoothly,” he said, while also highlighting a more accurate data collection process that now gathers information directly from Assistant Returning Officers.

He urged the public to continue heading to the polls promptly to ensure their voices are heard in this historic election.

The EC also expressed condolences over the passing of an assistant presiding officer in Mymensingh early Wednesday.

However, a replacement was quickly assigned, and voting in that constituency has proceeded without interruption.