Dhaka, Jan. 7 -- Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has expressed his pleasure over the parliamentary polls in which they estimate nearly 40 percent of the voters turned up.

Speaking at a media briefing after polling closed on Sunday, he said the figure may change when the final results arrive.

Awal said turnout was a major concern for the EC, but the voters "enthusiastically" cast their ballots despite the BNP's boycott and violent protests.

He claimed there have been no reports of large-scale violence and that quick steps were taken to address alleged irregularities.

"And it is comforting that there has been no death due to election violence -- only a few minor incidents."

"We received some reports of rigging and ballot-...