As voting in the 13th Parliamentary Election and a nationwide referendum began this morning, first-time and young voters turned out in significant numbers across the country, many describing the experience as both emotional and historic.

Polling opened amid tight security, with queues forming from early morning in several constituencies.

At Mirzapur Government Primary School polling centre in Rajshahi city, Peyari Begum, a resident of Hanufar Mor, arrived at 7:30am to cast her vote.

“I did not vote last time. This time it feels like Eid. Everyone has come together early in the morning to vote. It feels festive,” she said.

In Dhaka-9, Sumaiya Akter Mim, currently in her second year of intermediate studies, cast her first ballot alongside her parents. She also took part in the referendum.

“There was a lot of tension about whether I would be able to vote. I came feeling quite scared. However, I was able to cast my vote in a peaceful environment for my preferred candidate,” she said

At Monipur High School polling centre in Dhaka-15, 25-year-old Tajia Khan voted with her mother, Khadija Begum. Both said they felt proud after casting their ballots.

Twin siblings Saima and Sajid also voted for the first time at the same centre.

Farhana Islam Saima, 23, a fourth-year electrical engineering student at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, said she returned home on leave specifically to vote.

“I came home to uphold democracy. I want to see democracy firmly established everywhere,” she said.

Her brother Sajid, a student at Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, said social media posts the previous night had raised concerns.

“But when I arrived at the centre this morning, I found the environment calm and well organised,” he said, adding that he also participated in the referendum.

In Dhaka-1, 18-year-old Sabbir Hossain said he had been excited since the previous day.

“This is my first time voting. I am very happy to cast my vote for my preferred candidate,” he said.

Hasib Islam, a mechanical engineering student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, voted for the first time at Mirpur University College centre.

“I feel really good to have voted for the first time. I was able to vote in an orderly manner within a short time,” he said.

At Ideal Public School centre in Matikata Bazar under Dhaka-17, 27-year-old Naznin Ayesha, though previously registered, cast her ballot for the first time.

“It feels like Eid. I came here to vote with my friends,” she said.

At Kisholoy High School in Mohammadpur, Wajihaba, a university admission candidate, said she was initially nervous.

“But I didn’t face any difficulty. Everything went very smoothly and it was actually faster than I expected,” she said, adding that she cast two ballots, one for the parliamentary candidate and another for the referendum.

“We got exactly what we were told beforehand, including the yes-no vote and the candidates. It was simple, and it went well,” she added.

Across constituencies, many young voters said the atmosphere felt different from previous elections.

“It feels like we finally have the freedom to express our voice and make our own decision,” said one voter.

After years without a competitive election, a significant portion of the electorate is casting ballots in a closely contested race for the first time. Alongside the parliamentary vote, citizens are also participating in a referendum on constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and accountability.

The Election Commission said it had taken extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful environment as voters exercised their franchise.