SM Sahidul Islam, Satkhira

The election for the four parliamentary constituencies in Satkhira, along with a nationwide referendum on the ‘July People's Charter’ reforms, was held on Thursday amid significant enthusiasm and stringent security. 

Voting began at 7:30 AM and continued uninterrupted until 4:30 PM. Voters expressed relief and joy at being able to exercise their franchise in a free and neutral environment after a long period.

According to the Satkhira District Election Office, the total number of voters in the district was 1,832,775, including 86,551 first-time voters. The district recorded an impressive average voter turnout of 72.73%.

Upazila-wise turnout breakdown: Kalaroa: 81.89%, Tala: 75%, Debhata: 72.50%, Kaliganj: 71.98%, Satkhira Sadar: 70.93%, Ashashuni: 68.78%, Shyamnagar: 68%.

Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel stated that modern technology played a pivotal role in ensuring security. All 609 polling centers were under CCTV surveillance, and law enforcement officers in 179 high-risk centers were equipped with body-worn cameras.

A total of 11,183 personnel from various law enforcement agencies, supported by 600 Army personnel, were deployed across the district. On average, 16 security personnel guarded each booth. Special water vessels were arranged for the remote coastal areas of Shyamnagar and Ashashuni.

Prominent candidates were among the first to cast their votes. In Satkhira-2, BNP-nominated candidate Md. Abdur Rouf cast the first vote at the Alipur Government Primary School center at 7:30 AM. Simultaneously, Jamaat candidate Muhaddis Abdul Khalek inaugurated the Dhalbaria Government Primary School center by casting his vote. National Party candidate Ashrafuzzaman Ashu voted at the Katia Laskarpara Government Primary School center.

A total of 20 candidates contested the four seats: Satkhira-1: 5 candidates, including Habibul Islam Habib (BNP), Md. Ijjatullah (Jamaat), and Ziaur Rahman (JP). Satkhira-2: 5 candidates, including Abdur Rouf (BNP), Muhaddis Abdul Khalek (Jamaat), and Ashrafuzzaman Ashu (JP). Satkhira-3: 6 candidates, including Kazi Alauddin (BNP), Hafez Rabiul Bashar (Jamaat), and independent candidate Dr. Shahidul Alam. Satkhira-4: 4 candidates, including Dr. Muhammad Moniruzzaman (BNP) and GM Nazrul Islam (Jamaat).

A unique feature of this election was the referendum on the ‘July People’s Charter’ reforms. In a post-uprising political landscape, voters cast their ballots to decide on state reforms alongside electing their representatives. Notably, the campaign period saw a shift toward digital methods, with a complete absence of traditional paper posters.

To prevent electoral irregularities, 10 First-Class Judicial Magistrates and 4 judges remained active in the field. District Returning Officer Ms. Afroza Akter confirmed that vote counting is currently underway. The Election Commission is expected to announce the consolidated official results on Friday (February 13) morning.