“Your Vote Has Already Been Cast” Nurjahan Begum Breaks Down in Tears at Polling Center

A female voter, who has participated in many previous elections, broke down in tears at a polling center after being told that her vote had already been cast.

The incident occurred around 12:00 pm on Thursday (February 12) at the Teyani Moniram Government Primary School polling center in Pirganj upazila. According to witnesses, when Nurjahan Begum entered the বুথ to cast her vote, a polling officer informed her that her vote had already been recorded.

Coming out of the booth in tears, Nurjahan Begum said in an emotional voice, “I have voted for so many years without any problem. This time they are saying someone else has cast my vote. I came here to vote myself.”

The incident created murmurs, anxiety, and frustration both inside and outside the center. Several local residents alleged that isolated incidents of fraudulent voting had been taking place at the center since morning.

Local resident Zahurul Islam claimed, “Since morning we have seen that some voters are being told their votes were already cast before they even arrived. This is very concerning.” Another voter, Rahima Khatun, said, “If we come to vote and are told it’s already done, then where do we go? This is our right.”

Presiding Officer Monchur Hossain stated, “This happened due to polling agents failing to properly identify voters. We are trying to ensure it does not happen again. The matter is being taken seriously.”

Assistant Returning Officer and Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Debashish Basak said, “I am looking into the matter. If the allegations are found to be true, necessary action will be taken.”

Although tension briefly escalated at the center following the incident, the situation remains under control with the presence of law enforcement agencies.