National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam casts his vote at AKM Rahmatullah University College.

He addressed the media after casting his vote at 8:05am on Thursday.

Nahid said he had cast his first-ever vote at the same centre, then known as Rahmatullah Degree College.

“I urge everyone to come to the polling centres without any obstruction or fear and take part in the voting in a festive atmosphere,” he said.

“Today is voting day. Today, people should realise their ownership of this country. For the past 16 years, there was no opportunity for a fair election. Now we have the chance to establish democracy through our voting rights, to advance the reform process by voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum, and to take Bangladesh forward by supporting the 11-party alliance,” he added.

Voting in the 13th National Parliament Election began at 7:30am on Thursday, with polling underway across 299 constituencies amid tight security and high public anticipation.

The voting will continue uninterrupted until 4:30pm at 42,659 polling stations nationwide.