KHULNA, Jan 7, 2024 (BSS) - A large number of elderly voters have cast their 
votes today ignoring the cold weather and so-called 48 hours hartal enforced 
by BNP and alliance parties in Khulna.

The voting for the 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections began at 8am and continued 
till 4pm without any break.

While talking to voters, this correspondent found that a 
festive atmosphere prevailed in the polling booths and the voters were 
enthusiastic about exercising their voting rights.

Golam Mostofa, 82, freedom fighter and ex-manager of Bangladesh Bank Khulna, 
a resident at Bagmara Abdur Rahim Lane told BSS, "I've casted my vote at 
Nebudia Goverenment Primary School centre in Terokhada under Khulna-4 
constituency. 

"Along with my family members, I am grateful to Sheikh Hasina for the 
development of Bangladesh during the last 15 years," he said. 

"I wholeheartedly believe that Sheikh Hasina will keep her promises mentioned 
in the manifesto including controlling price hike of daily essential items. 
Her win will be the continuation of the development of today's digital 
Bangladesh," he said.

While visiting Gutudia Acrur Chandra Golder Bandhab Secondary School at 
Gutudia of Dumuria in Khulna-5 constituency Mohashin Molla, a rickshaw 
puller, told BSS that "I am very happy to cast my vote as the government has 
distributed rickshaws to the poor rickshaw pullers. We want to see Sheikh 
Hasina as the country's Prime Minister again." 

Morium Banu, an old woman, said, "I have casted my vote just now. Due to the 
cold weather, I reached the voting centre a bit late." 

"I saw tremendous development in Khulna during the past one decade, I have 
cast my vote ignoring my illness to see Sheikh Hasina in power again," she 
added.

Monimohon Gain, Presiding Officer of Gutudia Acrur Chandra Golder Bandhab 
Secondary School told BSS that voters casted their votes in festive mood.
Over 30 percent voters casted their votes till 3.00pm today, he said, adding 
that "I have not received any complain from any voters or polling agent."