Dhaka, Feb. 15 -- Election observers have reported that voters with disabilities faced significant barriers in exercising their rights during the Feb 12 national election and referendum.

Civil society groups said minorities feared violence before polling day, though the atmosphere was relatively calm and positive at most centres.

Still, some minority voters encountered resistance.

Representatives of four organisations presented their preliminary observations at a joint press conference at a Dhaka hotel on Sunday.

Observers noted that female candidates were subjected to coordinated online attacks during campaigning, with little intervention from authorities.

While the overall process was described as peaceful and orderly, post poll vi...