Dhaka, Feb. 12 -- Voting in the 13th parliamentary election and a nationwide referendum began across the country at 7:30 am today (Thursday), with voters casting their ballots in what authorities described as a festive atmosphere.

Balloting will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 pm.

Early in the day, voters gathered at polling stations in Dhaka and elsewhere, with long lines reported at several centres before the start of voting.

The Election Commission said it had taken all necessary measures to ensure free, fair and impartial polls. Law enforcement personnel have been deployed in adequate numbers at every centre, while striking and reserve forces remain on standby.

Meanwhile, different political parties have urged voters to go to po...