[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[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.​

 

[Saif]

Doubts over the election have eased to a considerable extent

If the administration and law enforcement do not carry out their duties impartially, it is not possible for an election to be free and fair

en.prothomalo.com

Doubts over the election have eased to a considerable extent

Badiul Alam Majumdar
Updated: 12 Dec 2025, 17: 16

Badiul Alam MajumdarFile Photo

A considerable number of stakeholders play an important role in ensuring a free and credible election. The first and foremost of these is the Election Commission (EC). The EC is constitutionally an independent institution tasked with ensuring free and impartial elections. The Constitution clearly outlines its responsibilities. It has been vested with extensive powers.

The next key stakeholder is the government, that is, the administration and the law enforcement agencies. If the administration and law enforcement agencies do not carry out their duties impartially, it is not possible for an election to be free and fair.

If political parties engage in violence among themselves, uncertainty surrounding the election will re-emerge. At the same time, forces that are defeated or in hiding may attempt to derail the election

Then come the political parties and their candidates as important stakeholders. If political parties uphold good conduct, and if candidates do not become desperate to resort to any means, fair or foul, then a fair election is attainable.

In the current context, political parties have emerged as the most important stakeholders. This is because a non-partisan interim government is now in place. The present EC was appointed under this government, so it can reasonably be believed that they are not loyal to any particular party. But the disputes, violence, and various unwarranted situations political parties are creating over nominations are severely polluting the electoral environment and obstructing the path to a fair election.

The election schedule was announced yesterday. Now the candidates are to be finalised. At this stage, unhealthy competition may take an even more alarming turn. If contenders use every trick in the book to secure nominations, it will hinder the process of a fair election. So now the ball is in the court of the political parties.

Another important stakeholder in the election is civil society and the media. Civil society must play the role of a watchdog, raising awareness and mobilising the public. But unfortunately, a large segment of the country’s civil society has turned into “lapdogs” instead of watchdogs. The previous government weakened civil society. Bias is also visible in the media.

Among all stakeholders, political parties now hold the most crucial role. If they maintain good conduct, refrain from violence, and avoid unhealthy competition among themselves, the path to the election will be smoother.
Although there is no question regarding the neutrality of the Election Commission, there remain doubts as to whether it will act with courage.

It is also uncertain whether the Commission will be able to properly enforce the laws and regulations. Already, we have seen that although the RPO requires parties to form panels based on grassroots opinion for issuing nominations, no party has done so. This is a clear violation of the RPO, yet the Election Commission has taken no initiative on the matter.

Much of the public doubt surrounding the election has eased after the announcement of the schedule. However, challenges remain. If political parties engage in violence among themselves, uncertainty surrounding the election will re-emerge. At the same time, forces that are defeated or in hiding may attempt to derail the election. It seems unlikely that they will succeed in doing much, but if the unhealthy competition among political parties does not stop, those defeated forces will also find opportunity.

* Badiul Alam Majumdar is the former head of the electoral reform commission.​

 

[Saif]

A test Bangladesh cannot afford to fail

Election schedule marks a defining moment for our democratic future

www.thedailystar.net

A test Bangladesh cannot afford to fail
Election schedule marks a defining moment for our democratic future

VISUAL: STAR

After the historic mass uprising of 2024, Bangladesh has now arrived at a crucial stage in its democratic transition. The announcement of the election schedule by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday marks a significant turning point, finally dispelling the uncertainties that had long clouded the electoral process. February 12, the scheduled date, will oversee a twin vote: one to elect public representatives to the next parliament and another to decide, through a referendum, on constitutional amendments that will have far-reaching implications for the country's governance and the future of our democracy.

It is reassuring that the interim government has pledged full support to ensure that both the election and the referendum are conducted in a festive, participatory, and fair manner. Political parties seeking the people's mandate have also welcomed the announcement. As campaigning gathers momentum, we hope all parties and candidates will adhere to the electoral code of conduct with utmost sincerity to maintain a congenial atmosphere. Respect for differing opinions, peaceful engagement, and democratic behaviour are essential for stabilising the country. Any language or behaviour that fuels tension or division must be avoided and discouraged.

Businesses and development partners, many of whom held back investment decisions while awaiting signs of stability, may now feel some relief. However, sustaining business confidence will require preserving peace and maintaining law and order during the campaign, on voting day, and in the aftermath.

With the poll schedule announced, the country now enters an exciting yet delicate phase. Ensuring peaceful campaigning, providing equal opportunities to all contesting parties and candidates, and guaranteeing that citizens can exercise their rights freely and without fear are imperative for credible elections. As the primary responsibility for this rests with the Election Commission, we must remind it that the nation cannot afford a repeat of the last three elections—held in 2014, 2018, and 2024—or of the chaotic and violent events that had preceded them.

It is worth recalling that this opportunity for a democratic transition has come at the cost of enormous sacrifices made by the youth. Expectations therefore rest heavily on the credibility of the process. The commission must take firm and decisive action against any irregularities, violations of election rules, or weaknesses in the organisation of the election. It must fulfil its constitutional responsibilities independently, impartially, and with full professionalism. Its actions, as well as that of the interim government and the political parties, will be crucial in restoring public confidence in elections. We need this process to succeed so that the nation can finally embark on a new trajectory towards effective democracy, good governance, and sustainable economic progress.​