Minority, female voters actively exercise voting rights: NHRC Chair

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed on Sunday said no complaints regarding voting have been received so far.

 "Minority and female voters are actively exercising their voting rights. The Commission remains vigilant to ensure that citizens can vote freely and responsibly," he said.

A delegation led by the NHRC Chairman visited polling centres to monitor election environment.
As part of the visit and monitoring programme, the Commissions delegation visited various areas and polling centres, including Joynagar Government Primary School, Ati Bhawal Uchcha Madhyamik Bidyalaya, Konokhola Model Government Primary School, Kaikobad Academy, Suritola Model Government Primary School, T&T High School & College etc in Dhaka.

The overall security situation, safety of women and minority  voters, exercise of voting rights by the elderly and disabled individuals, the facilities provided by the centres, and human rights situation during the election were closely monitored, he said. At this time, the NHRC delegation spoke with the presiding officer and polling agents, as well as voters representing all demographics, and gathering information on the overall situation.

During a media interview, the Commission chairman stated, "Today, we witnessed a completely peaceful and nonviolent environment.

"The development of democratic values, tolerance, and a culture of human rights is possible through a conducive environment for independent voting," he said.

He hoped for a peaceful environment and a fair election. He further mentioned that the Commission has taken effective steps for the protection of human rights before, during, and after the election.

The Commission will also closely monitor the security situation post-election. During the observation, NHRC members Salim Reza, Aminul Islam; Secretary Sebastin Rema; Director (Complaints and Inquiry) Ashraful Alam; Director (Administration and Finance) Kazi Arfan Ashik, and other senior officials were present.    —UNB