30% Turnout in Thakurgaon-1 By-Election by Noon, Home Minister Says
Published : 15:27, 29 October 2026
The by-election in Thakurgaon-1 is proceeding peacefully, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Thursday (October 29). Citing Election Commission data, he said voter turnout in the constituency had reached around 30% by noon.
Responding to questions from journalists at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi, the home minister said no reports of untoward incidents had been received from the election. He said the government was committed to ensuring that voters could exercise their voting rights freely and safely.
Earlier, he spoke as the chief guest at a ceremony marking the completion of six months of basic training and the distribution of certificates to the 27th trainee sergeant batch and the 43rd cadet sub-inspector (SI) batch at the academy’s Chemeni Memorial Hall.
Salahuddin Ahmed said the government was working to build a skilled, modern and professional police force while upholding democratic values, the rule of law and human rights. He said the government’s image depended on the integrity, dedication and professionalism of the police, and urged newly trained officers to perform their duties sincerely to ensure justice for the public.
He also said initiatives were being taken to strengthen police capacity to tackle technology-driven and cybercrime. These include expanding forensic and chemical laboratories, adopting modern technologies and arranging advanced training at home and abroad.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir attended the ceremony as a special guest. It was chaired by Bangladesh Police Academy Principal and Additional IGP Md. Mainul Hasan.
At an earlier press briefing, the home minister claimed that no extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances or deaths in custody involving law enforcement agencies had occurred during the current government’s first eight months in office.
Commenting on allegations against the child of a member of parliament from Natore and the reported arrest, the minister said everyone was equal in the eyes of the law. He said allegations of criminal conduct would be dealt with according to the law, regardless of a person’s identity or influence.
