[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Bangladesh general election likely between Feb 8 and 12

The forthcoming general election and the national referendum are expected to be held any day between February 8 and February 12 next year, election commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar said on Tuesday.

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh general election likely between Feb 8 and 12
Schedule in a couple of days after EC meeting Dec 7: EC Anwarul

Front view of Election Commission office in Dhaka. | File photo

The forthcoming general election and the national referendum are expected to be held any day between February 8 and February 12 next year, election commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar said on Tuesday.

The commissioner, speaking to reporters at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka, also said that the election schedule could be announced in a couple of days after the commission meeting, expected to be held on December 7.

‘The parliamentary elections and the referendum will be held any day between 8 February and 12 February. It can be held one or two days after February 8 or one or two days before February 12. In other words, it can be held on a day that falls at some point in the middle,’ Anwarul Islam said.

He said that the commission is set to hold a meeting on December 7 to finalise the election schedule.

Depending on the outcome, the official announcement of the election schedule can be made within two or three days of the meeting, possibly around December 11, he said.

Anwarul said that the commission was also considering extending voting hours as both the parliamentary election and the referendum would be held on the same day.

He said that voting time might be extended from eight hours to nine hours.

The current voting period, which runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm, could be adjusted by setting the hours between 7:30am and 4:30pm.

European Union ambassador to Dhaka, Michael Miller, met chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday at Nirbachan Bhaban to discuss preparations for the next general election and the referendum.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Miller said that the commission was well prepared to conduct both the parliamentary polls and the referendum on the July charter on the same day.

He appreciated the commission’s advanced planning and careful assessment of logistical challenges.

Miller also reiterated that the EU is preparing to send a large election observer mission to monitor what is expected to be the world’s largest democratic exercise in 2026.

Regarding the overall situation, the EU envoy said preparations appear to be progressing smoothly, though challenges are inevitable in a populous country.

He stressed the need for extensive civic and voter education so that the citizens can understand both the election and the referendum.​

 

[Saif]

'Polls schedule announcement still undecided'

EC secretary says commission met for election preparations today

www.thedailystar.net

'Polls schedule announcement still undecided'
EC secretary says commission met for election preparations today

File Photo

Although preparations for holding the 13th national election and the referendum on the same day are on in full swing, the Election Commission (EC) has not yet decided when it will announce the election schedule.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said at a workshop with journalists at the Election Training Institute this afternoon, "We were in a meeting on election preparations from 11:30 in the morning."

Regarding the announcement of the schedule, he said, "The Election Commission has not yet been able to fix the date."

The interim government has announced that the 13th national election will be held in the first half of February next year, while the EC had planned to announce the election schedule in the first week of December.

Earlier, on November 29, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said that the schedule for the upcoming national election will likely be announced in the second week of December.

However, the EC secretary claimed that the EC is fully prepared to conduct the election. Urging everyone to refrain from spreading misinformation about the election, he said, "I request everyone to provide accurate information… Certainly, strong preparations for the election are underway."

The workshop titled, "Introduction to the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (with latest amendments); Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2008 (with latest amendments); and the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act, 1991", was organised by UNDP and the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED).​

 

[Saif]

'We'll deliver the best election in the country's history'

Yunus says after being briefed by CEC on election preparations

www.thedailystar.net

'We'll deliver the best election in the country's history'
Yunus says after being briefed by CEC on election preparations

Photo: CA's Press Wing

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today expressed satisfaction over the Election Commission's preparations for the upcoming national election and referendum, assuring that the government will provide all necessary support to ensure a free and fair poll.

Speaking after being briefed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and four other commissioners at the state guesthouse Jamuna, Yunus said, "You [EC] are in the driver's seat for this long-awaited election by the nation. We must reach our desired goal."

He emphasised the interim government's commitment to conducting a free and fair election, adding, "We are moving forward with the commitment that in the first half of February, we will deliver to the nation the best election in the country's history."

CEC Nasir confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly and that the Election Commission is fully prepared to hold both the national election and the referendum on the same day in February.

Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Saker, Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, and EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed attended the meeting. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Chief Adviser's Principal Secretary M Siraj Uddin Mia were also present.​

 

[Saif]

66pc say BNP will win the most seats in the election

Most people in the country believe the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will win the highest number of seats in the upcoming national election. Jamaat-e-Islami ranks second on the list of people’s preferred parties. More than half of the respondents also said the country would be better off...

en.prothomalo.com

66pc say BNP will win the most seats in the election
Special Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 09 Dec 2025, 10: 56

Most people in the country believe the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will win the highest number of seats in the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) election. Jamaat-e-Islami ranks second on the list of people’s preferred parties.

More than half of the respondents also said the country would be better off if the BNP wins. Nearly one-third believe the country would fare better under Jamaat-e-Islami.

These views emerged in a survey conducted by Prothom Alo. The survey was carried out by the private research organisation Keymakers Consulting Limited. Its title is “National opinion poll on key socio-political issues.”

Which party will win the most seats

One of the survey questions asked: If the upcoming national election is free and fair, which party do you think will win the highest number of seats? The question did not ask for an estimate of how many seats.

In response, nearly 66 per cent of respondents said the BNP would win the most seats. The views of men, women, and respondents across all age groups were broadly similar. About 26 per cent said Jamaat-e-Islami would win the most seats.

Since the fall of military ruler H M Ershad, the BNP has formed the government three times in the past 35 years. Under a caretaker government, the BNP formed government in 1991 with Jamaat-e-Islami’s support. The 15 February 1996 election was boycotted by the Awami League and other opposition parties.

Although the BNP won and formed the government, it lasted only a month and a half. In the second election that year, held in June, the BNP became the main opposition party. In 2001, as part of the four-party alliance, the BNP returned to power with an overwhelming majority.

In the 2008 election, the BNP won 30 seats. The party boycotted the single-party election in 2014 and the controversial 2024 “dummy vote” election. It did contest the 2018 election but won only seven seats, in an election widely marred by irregularities, including ballot stuffing the night before polling—an election now widely referred to as the “night-time vote.”

Jamaat-e-Islami, on the other hand, has never become the second-largest party in any past election. Its highest achievements were 18 seats in 1991 and 17 seats in 2001 (the latter within an electoral alliance with the BNP). After the fall of the Awami League government in the July mass uprising, Jamaat-e-Islami has suddenly emerged as a major force on the political field.

Its student wing recently won absolute majorities in student-union elections at Dhaka University and three other universities. The survey shows that a significant portion of respondents—around 26 per cent—believe Jamaat will win the highest number of seats this time.

In response to the same question, slightly over 7 per cent said the Awami League—whose activities are currently banned. Another 0.8 per cent named the National Citizen Party (NCP), the youth-led party that played a key role in the July mass uprising. 0.1 per cent expressed support for Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

Following the fall of the Awami League government in the July uprising, many of the party’s top leaders have gone into hiding or taken refuge abroad.

The interim government has banned all organisational activities of the party until the trials at the International Crimes Tribunal are completed. Before this, the government had issued the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, allowing the banning of activities of any individual or entity involved in terrorist acts. The party’s registration with the Election Commission also remains suspended.

The Awami League ruled the country continuously from 2009 until its fall last year. Earlier, it also governed once in 1996. Under non-partisan caretaker governments, the party received between 30 per cent and 48 per cent of the vote in each election.

Several other parties were also mentioned in the Prothom Alo survey regarding which party might win the most seats. Only 0.1 per cent named the Jatiya Party (Japa). Yet in the last three parliaments, JaPa served as the main opposition, though widely regarded as a “domesticated opposition,” as those elections were controversial and Japa had entered parliament through arrangements with the ruling Awami League.

Following his ouster in the 1990 mass uprising, Ershad was jailed. Under the caretaker government, JaPa won 35 seats in the 1991 election, 32 seats in 1996, and 14 in 2001. In the most recent election under a caretaker government in 2008, Japa, contesting as part of the Awami League-led Grand Alliance, won 27 seats.

Which party’s victory would be best for the country
Another question in the survey asked: Which party’s victory in the upcoming national election would be best for the country?

In response, 57.5 per cent said the BNP. 32.5 per cent said Jamaat-e-Islami.

8.5 per cent said the Awami League. 0.9 per cent believed the NCP’s victory would be best. JaPa and Islami Andolan Bangladesh each received 0.1 per cent support.

The survey collected opinions from 1,342 adults (ages 18–55) in five urban and five rural/semi-urban areas. Among them were 674 men and 668 women, representing diverse income levels, social classes, and professions. Data was collected between 21 and 28 October.

The survey organisation noted that this was an opinion poll representing the country’s general population, though it does not represent any specific constituency. The sample includes only people who can read online or print newspapers and who are likely to vote in the next election. The reported confidence level of the findings is 99 per cent.​

 

[Saif]

Comprehensive preparations underway to ensure free, fair polls: Home Adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said comprehensive preparations are in progress to ensure that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is conducted in a fair, peaceful and festive environment. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon following a v

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Comprehensive preparations underway to ensure free, fair polls: Home Adviser

Published :
Dec 10, 2025 22:53
Updated :
Dec 10, 2025 22:53

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said comprehensive preparations are in progress to ensure that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is conducted in a fair, peaceful and festive environment.

He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon following a views-exchange meeting with officials from various administrative sectors on law and order, agricultural production, fertilizer and seed supply and irrigation management. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner's office, BSS reports.

The adviser said the upcoming election will see a larger deployment of law enforcement personnel compared to previous polls to help ensure a level playing field.

"Elections depend on the people -- on the voters. No one will be able to stop voters from participating spontaneously. Elections are conducted with the cooperation of the Election Commission, political parties, administration and law enforcement agencies. Journalists also play an important role," he added.

He urged journalists to continue investigative reporting and to work actively against corruption, encouraging them to report any irregularities -- even if they involve him or his relatives.

Earlier in the day, the Home Affairs Adviser visited the Narsingdi District Jail and Police Lines.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Farruk and other senior officials were present.​

 

[Saif]

This time women will decide the election outcome

The July mass uprising demonstrated that women’s role is not limited to participation alone; they are also agents of decision-making. Their courageous roles deserve far greater visibility. Election-centred politics in Bangladesh is typically defined by muscle power, money, and dynastic...

en.prothomalo.com

This time women will decide the election outcome
Political parties constantly speak of a “new settlement”, but nothing about their actions reflects anything truly new.

Samina Luthfa
Published: 09 Dec 2025, 13: 49

The July mass uprising demonstrated that women’s role is not limited to participation alone; they are also agents of decision-making. Their courageous roles deserve far greater visibility.

Election-centred politics in Bangladesh is typically defined by muscle power, money, and dynastic inheritance. Women candidates can play a crucial role in breaking through these entrenched patterns. This required genuine political will to bring forth women’s leadership; yet this is precisely where we have been most disappointed.

Political parties constantly speak of a “new settlement”, but nothing about their actions reflects anything truly new.

Women are the “silent” majority of voters. In this election, their votes will be decisive. I believe middle-class, educated women in particular will judge parties and candidates by their actions before casting their ballots.

The government’s failure over the past 15 months to ensure women’s safety will, in my view, also affect the election. Still, if a secure voting environment is not guaranteed, women may hesitate to go to the polls.

On the other hand, if they fear facing even greater forms of repression for not voting, they may decide to cast their ballots nonetheless. Conversely, groups that believe women’s votes will go against them may try to confine women to their homes.

We have already seen such attempts over the past 15–16 months; restrictions on women’s mobility, harassment, and moral policing, all of which indicate efforts to prevent women from stepping out to vote.

My expectation is that voters will choose the party that stands with women and prioritises their rights, moving beyond muscle power and displays of wealth. And my call to the government is this: create an environment in which every voter, especially the women, can cast their ballot freely and without fear.

*Samina Luthfa, professor, Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka​

 

[Saif]

National election on 12 February

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule in a televised address on Thursday.

en.prothomalo.com

National election on 12 February
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 11 Dec 2025, 18: 43

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin addresses the nation on Thursday evening. Screengrab from television

The 13th national parliamentary election will be held on 12 February next year.

A referendum on implementing the July National Charter will take place on the same day.

Voting will run continuously from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule in a televised address on Thursday evening.

According to the announced schedule, the deadline for submitting nomination papers for the parliamentary election is 29 December.

Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from 30 December to 4 January. Appeals against decisions made by returning officers must be filed by 11 January, and appeals will be disposed of between 12 and 18 January.

The last date for withdrawing candidacy is 20 January.

Election symbols will be allocated on 21 January. Campaigning will begin on 22 January and end at 7:30 a.m. on 10 February. Voting in all 300 constituencies across the country will be held on 12 February.

More than 127.6 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Bangladeshi expatriates will also be able to vote by postal ballot, and over 300,000 have registered so far.

In the face of the student–public uprising, the Awami League government fell on 5 August last year. On 8 August, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus was formed. Sixteen months after the interim government took office, the Election Commission is going to announced the national election schedule.

Initially, some parties, including the BNP, had demanded that the national election be held by December last year. On 6 June, in an address to the nation, chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus stated that the election would take place in the first half of April 2026. Later, on 13 June, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman met with the chief adviser in London, United Kingdom.

In the London meeting, the two sides agreed that the national election would be held in the first half of February 2026. Since then, the government has repeatedly stated that the election will take place in early February, and the election commission is preparing accordingly.

On 13 November, the chief adviser announced that the referendum on implementing the July national charter and the national parliamentary election would be held on the same day in the first half of February. Today, in an address to the nation, the chief election commissioner announced the dates for both votes.

Only political parties registered with the Election Commission (EC) can contest the national parliamentary election with party symbols. At present, 56 parties are registered with the EC. Among them, the Awami League’s registration has been suspended due to its political activities being prohibited. A party with a suspended registration cannot take part in the election. All other registered parties will be eligible to participate.

Aside from party-nominated candidates, any individual who meets the eligibility requirements may contest as an independent candidate.

After the fall of the Awami League government, a new Election Commission was formed on 21 November last year under the leadership of AMM Nasir Uddin. The upcoming election will be the first to be held under this commission. This time, the national parliamentary election and the referendum are being held on the same day, and the Election Commission sees the timing of the two votes as a challenge.

To manage time, the Election Commission has decided to extend polling by one hour this time. Continuous voting will take place from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. In addition, the number of secret voting booths at polling stations will also be increased.

In the meantime, maintaining law and order during the election is also being seen as a challenge. The government has already stated that after the schedule is announced, all forces responsible for law and order, including the armed forces, will work to ensure a secured electoral environment.

Nearly 900,000 members of the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies will be deployed, the highest number ever. To conduct a fair election, a record 150,000 police officers have already received election training.​

 

[Saif]

'After historic uprising, country now moving toward a new path'

Chief Adviser Yunus congratulates EC for election schedule

www.thedailystar.net

After historic uprising, country now moving toward a new path'
Chief Adviser Yunus congratulates EC for election schedule

File Photo: CA's Press Wing

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has extended greetings and congratulations to the Election Commission following the announcement of schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum on the July National Charter.

In a message, Yunus described the announcement as a significant milestone in Bangladesh's democratic journey.

"After the historic mass uprising, the country is now moving toward a new path. This election and referendum will consolidate that trajectory, prioritise the will of the people, and further strengthen the foundation of a new Bangladesh," he said.

He expressed confidence that the Election Commission would fulfil its constitutional responsibilities independently, impartially, and with professionalism.

He added that the interim government would provide all necessary assistance to ensure the election and referendum are conducted in a festive, participatory, and fair manner.

Calling upon political parties, candidates, media, civil society, and citizens, Yunus urged that the election and referendum be embraced as initiatives of national unity.

He stressed that respect for differing opinions, peaceful conduct, and democratic behaviour would help stabilise the country.

"Bangladesh now stands at the threshold of a new future. Through your active participation and responsible conduct, we will succeed in building a modern, just, and prosperous state -- this is my firm conviction," Yunus said.​