Chattogram city has taken on an unusually quiet appearance ahead of the 13th National Parliament election, with major roads and commercial hubs largely deserted as residents leave for their village homes to cast their votes.
Areas such as New Market and Kotwali intersection — typically plagued by heavy traffic congestion, crowds and constant noise — now wear a calm, almost silent look. Only a limited number of vehicles are seen on the roads, and public movement has dropped significantly, giving the port city a holiday-like atmosphere.
Government and private offices have remained closed since Wednesday in observance of the election scheduled for Thursday. The holiday will continue until Saturday, prompting many city dwellers to travel home, much like during the Eid holidays.
Public is not coming out on the roads except for urgent needs. Law enforcement officers were seen patrolling important roads and intersections. They are monitoring security from different locations.
Mashrafe Hasan, a resident of Kotwali constituency, said, “Most of the people in the city have now left for the villages. As a result, the entire city is now very empty. Vehicles are plying in limited areas. But the vehicles are charging extra fares. We are also forced to pay the increased fares.”
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Zahidul Islam Miah said, “The entire Chattogram district has been brought under security around the National Parliament elections. This time, the goal of the elections is not limited to voting and announcing the results. Rather, the administration's main priority is to ensure that every voter can go to the polling station in a festive atmosphere, express their well-thought-out opinions, and return home safely.”
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Hossain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan said, “A special four-day security plan has been taken for the elections. The striking force and mobile team have already started working in the field. The reserve force has been kept ready. All kinds of measures have been taken to ensure the safe movement of voters.”
The number of vehicles on the roads of various areas of the city including Agrabad, Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, Gate No. 2, GEC intersection, Chawkbazar, Jamal Khan, Andarkilla, Gani Bakery intersection, Kazir Deuri, Lovelane, Kotwali intersection and New Market is very low. There is no public transport. Everyone has to travel in rickshaws and CNG-powered auto-rickshaws.
This time, the total number of voters in Chattogram is 66 lakh 82 thousand 517. Of these, 34 lakh 83 thousand 877 are male voters, 31 lakh 98 thousand 570 are female voters and 70 are third gender voters. The total number of polling stations is 1965.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
