[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

One box for every 400 postal ballots: EC circular says

Election Commission (EC) has issued a special circular outlining the procedures to be followed after the receipt of the postal ballots by the Returning Officer (RO). The circular contains detailed guideline on the preservation and counting of postal ballots of the forthcoming 13th national parliam

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

One box for every 400 postal ballots: EC circular says

BSS
Published :
Jan 24, 2026 21:36
Updated :
Jan 24, 2026 21:36

Election Commission (EC) has issued a special circular outlining the procedures to be followed after the receipt of the postal ballots by the Returning Officer (RO).

The circular contains detailed guideline on the preservation and counting of postal ballots of the forthcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum.

The circular said the postal ballots must reach to the concerned RO by 4:30 pm on the polling day (February 12) to be counted for. The ballots to be received after 4:30 pm will not be scanned or counted and would be kept separately as rejected ballots.

Once the RO logs in the software developed for voting through postal ballots, they will be able to view and know the overall picture of the number of voters registered for voting by postal ballot and the votes cast through postal ballots for the respective parliamentary constituency, the circular said.

Based on the number of voters registered for postal voting, the ROs of each constituency will use one box for every 400 ballots (ballot envelopes). Each ballot box must have a sticker bearing the constituency number and name.

Sealing of Ballot Boxes:

Postal ballots will start arriving at RO office from the day of allocation of symbols (January 21) onward. Accordingly, ballot boxes for preserving postal ballots must be kept ready on the day of symbol allocation or the following day.

To ensure transparency in postal ballot-related activities, the RO will make a written request to the candidates or their election agents, specifying the date and time, to be present before sealing (locking) the ballot boxes.

On the scheduled date, in the presence of all attendees, four seals/locks on each ballot box will be affixed. Before affixing the seals/locks, the numbers of each box and each seal/lock will be read aloud, and the attending candidates or election agents will be asked to record them.

Once a ballot box is filled with postal ballots, its lid must be sealed with a fifth lock/seal and stored in a secure location.

Receipt and Preservation of Returned Postal Ballot Envelopes Received by Post:

The RO will assign one officer to receive and preserve postal ballots received from the postal department. In addition, the RO will appoint the necessary number of supporting staff to assist the officer responsible for scanning and other related tasks.

Upon receiving the postal ballot envelopes by post, the responsible officer will scan the QR code printed on the envelope. The envelopes will then be securely preserved in the designated ballot boxes based on the constituency.

By scanning the QR codes, constituency-wise lists of distributed and received postal ballots will be generated from the software in Form-12. The responsible officer will sign and preserve the software-generated forms daily.

If, during QR code scanning, the software displays a QR code as a duplicate, the RO will cancel the ballot. In such cases, the envelope must be preserved separately without opening it. The Election Commission will provide the necessary scanning equipment for QR code scanning.

If the Voter Does Not Scan the QR Code:

According to the voting instructions sent to each voter, voters must log in the Postal Vote BD mobile app and scan the QR code on the envelope immediately after receiving the postal ballot envelope.

Verification of the voter will be required during scanning, through which the system will identify that the voter has received the ballot paper. However, if a voter casts the vote and returns the envelope without scanning the QR code on the envelope, the ballot will not be identified in the system at the time of scanning and will therefore be considered invalid.

In such cases, the envelope must be preserved separately without opening it, and proper records must be maintained.

Deadline for Receiving Postal Ballots:

Postal ballots received by 4:30 pm on the polling day (Feb 12), will be included for the count. Postal ballot envelopes received after that time must not be scanned or included in the counting process and must be preserved separately as rejected ballots.

Appointment of Presiding Officers and Polling Officers for Counting:

For counting postal ballots, the RO will appoint one Presiding Officer per constituency. Additionally, based on the number of ballots received, one Polling Officer will be appointed for every 100 postal ballots, and one Assistant Officer will be appointed to coordinate every 15 Polling Officers.

Persons to be allowed during counting:

During the counting of postal votes, candidates, polling agents, journalists, and observers will be allowed in accordance with the same rules applicable to other polling centres.

The RO will inform the candidates and their polling agents in advance, through written communication, about when, where, and how the postal ballot counting for the respective constituency will be conducted. The RO will request for the presence of the candidates or their poling agents during the counting process.

Postal Ballot counting activities:

For counting postal ballots, a constituency-wise counting room must be prepared at the office of the RO or at another convenient location.

Immediately after 4:30 pm on polling day on February 12, the Presiding Officers will receive the ballot boxes filled with postal ballots of their respective constituencies from the RO.

During counting, the Presiding Officer responsible for the constituency will inform the candidates, polling officers, polling agents, journalists, and observers about the number and details of postal ballots received for that constituency. The Presiding Officer will then open all boxes of the postal ballots for that constituency. After opening the boxes, Polling Officers will first pour all returned envelopes into one place and then open them one by one.

Preparation, Publication, and Distribution of Counting Statements:

After completing the counting of postal ballots, the Presiding Officer will record the results of the National Parliamentary Election in Form-16A and the results of the referendum in Form-4, as is done for general polling centers.

Then the Presiding Officer will publish the results and provide their copies to the candidates, polling officers, polling agents and journalists present during counting.

RO will announce the results after consolidating the votes received from general polling centers and postal ballots. The final results will be published in Form-18 for the national parliamentary election and in Form-7 for the referendum.

Regarding expatriate voter registration, Salim Ahmad Khan, Team Leader of the ‘OCV-SDI’ project, told BSS that most postal ballots have already reached to expatriate voters, and expatriates are casting their votes and submitting postal ballots at post offices.

He informed that a total of 1,533,683 voters including Bangladeshi expatriates have registered their names to take part in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the Referendum.​

 

[Saif]

Election 2026: Amid a crowd of millionaires, ‘poor’ candidates much discussed

Elections are synonymous with money in Bangladesh. Even contesting a union Parishad election requires spending millions of taka. A parliamentary election, needless to say, costs far more. In the past, candidates spent crores of taka on parliamentary elections; today, that figure has risen even...

en.prothomalo.com

Election 2026: Amid a crowd of millionaires, ‘poor’ candidates much discussed

Sohrab Hassan
Published: 24 Jan 2026, 09: 13

Jatiya Sangsad bhabanAI-generated image

Elections are synonymous with money in Bangladesh. Even contesting a union Parishad election requires spending millions of taka. A parliamentary election, needless to say, costs far more. In the past, candidates spent crores of taka on parliamentary elections; today, that figure has risen even higher.

Many candidates are also required to deposit large sums into party funds in order to secure nominations. Those who cannot arrange such funds, despite being long-standing and loyal party activists, are denied nominations. Conversely, those who can afford to pay are often awarded nominations even if they have remained inactive within the party for years. A cursory look at the nomination lists of major parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, is sufficient to confirm this reality.

Based on candidates’ affidavits, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), calculating the current market value of both movable and immovable assets, has identified 891 millionaire candidates contesting the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Among them are 27 candidates who are billionaires.

Presenting data from 10 political parties, TIB reports that 59.41 per cent of BNP candidates are indebted. Independent candidates rank second, with 32.79 per cent indebted, followed by the Jatiya Party at 26.97 per cent.

Overall, more than 25 per cent of all parliamentary candidates carry some form of debt or liability. The total amount of candidates’ debt stands at Tk 18,868 crore (188.68 billions), of which Tk 17,471 crore (174.71 billions) is bank debt alone. Had these loans been repaid prior to the election, many banks might have been spared financial distress.

These figures are based solely on information disclosed in electoral affidavits. In reality, the number of millionaire candidates and loan defaulters is likely to be significantly higher.

TIB’s investigation has also uncovered a startling fact: six candidates have been contesting the 13th parliamentary election while concealing information about foreign citizenship or assets held abroad. However, the organisation has not disclosed their identities. If such information is submitted to the election commission, appropriate action may be taken.

Against this backdrop, we have also encountered candidates who are financing their election campaigns entirely through donations from working people, essentially a form of genuine crowdfunding. This is not the ostentatious, performative crowdfunding practiced by leaders of some newly formed parties. One such candidate is Monisha Chakrabarty, contesting from Barishal-5 (Sadar). Representing the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD) and the Democratic Left Alliance, she is collecting campaign funds through traditional clay money banks.

Monisha previously contested the 2018 Barishal City Corporation mayoral election as a BASAD candidate, where her campaign, funded through clay banks, attracted widespread attention. Her entire election effort was sustained by small savings contributed by ordinary citizens.

She is following the same approach again. Even before the formal campaign began, hundreds of small clay banks were distributed among party workers and supporters. Most donors are battery-powered rickshaw pullers, van drivers, easy-bike operators, and factory workers.

Many workers are contributing willingly because, when labourers, van pullers, and rickshaw drivers faced repression or harassment, Monisha stood by them. She has been arrested in the past for organising movements in defence of workers’ rights.

Another ‘poor’ candidate has also come to light: Tarek Rahman, the candidate of the Amjanatar Dal from Dhaka-12, popularly known as “Aam Tarek”. According to his affidavit submitted to the election commission, Tarek Rahman is the poorest candidate in the race. He owns no car, house, land, or flat. Listing his occupation as business, he has declared assets worth Tk 1,059,143, with an annual income of Tk 450,000.

In Dhaka, Mizanur Rahman, a resident of Jurain, has gained recognition for consistently speaking out in defence of urban residents’ rights. Contesting as an independent candidate from Dhaka-4, he once carried a pitcher of contaminated WASA water to force the managing director of WASA to drink it, an incident that sparked considerable discussion.

He is constantly present in the neglected alleyways of Jurain, standing beside residents in their daily struggles. One cannot truly grasp how deeply an individual can be devoted to their locality without seeing Mizanur Rahman’s work.

Mizanur Rahman is also raising campaign funds through crowdfunding announced on Facebook. Many have come forward to contribute, and so far he has raised nearly Tk 200,000.

It is not only Monisha, Tarek, or Mizanur; many candidates from smaller parties and independent backgrounds are funding their campaigns through public contributions.

According to TIB, among the 27 candidates worth over 100 crore taka contesting the 13th parliamentary election, 16 belong to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), while nine are independents, all of whom are BNP leaders. Total bank and other loans held by candidates amount to Tk 18,868 crore. Of the BNP’s 288 candidates, 59.4 per cent are indebted, compared to 22 per cent of Jamaat’s 224 candidates. Eight of the 10 most indebted candidates belong to the BNP. Ten candidates own more than 100 bighas of land.

Candidates’ declared assets amount to Tk 6,188 crore, yet their taxable income stands at only Tk 693 crore, on which they have paid Tk 546.8 million in taxes. For 259 candidates, their dependents possess more assets than they do, while for 282 candidates, their spouses own more movable and immovable property.

TIB has raised serious questions about the credibility of information submitted in candidates’ affidavits. According to its observations, at least three candidates concealed information about assets held abroad, yet their nomination papers were deemed valid.

Only those with absolute loyalty to Bangladesh should be eligible to become the country’s representatives—those who will work for the people and in the public interest. This is impossible while retaining the citizenship of another country.

In many democratic nations, prospective representatives must first submit affidavits to their parties affirming that they are not citizens of any other country. In the past, several individuals have become ministers and MPs while concealing dual citizenship. The election commission must remain maximally vigilant to ensure that this is not repeated. Leniency may exist elsewhere, but there can be no compromise on this issue.


Following the July uprising, the interim government initiated state reform processes in various sectors to prevent the national parliament from becoming a mere instrument of personal ambition. We are aware of the fate of reforms related to the constitution, the election commission, local government, the media, the police, and the women’s affairs commission. In effect, the government’s activities have remained confined to forming commissions and submitting recommendations.

Despite the establishment of so many commissions, the absence of any meaningful change in political culture is evident from the candidates’ affidavits themselves. It can be said with hesitation that those who have submitted false information will prioritise self-interest over public service if elected.

* Sohrab Hassan is a journalist and poet​

 

[Saif]

EC estimates Tk 31 billion cost for Feb-12 election, referendum

The Election Commission (EC) has estimated the overall expenditures for the upcoming referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election at some Tk 31 billion. The Commission on Wednesday approved the budget, estimating the total cost of Tk 31 billion to conduct the referendum and general elec

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC estimates Tk 31 billion cost for Feb-12 election, referendum

UNB
Published :
Jan 28, 2026 22:58
Updated :
Jan 28, 2026 22:58

The Election Commission (EC) has estimated the overall expenditures for the upcoming referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election at some Tk 31 billion.

The Commission on Wednesday approved the budget, estimating the total cost of Tk 31 billion to conduct the referendum and general election simultaneously on February 12 next, said EC officials.

Of the total cost, Tk 12 billion has been earmarked for election management and operational expenses, while Tk 14 billion has been allocated for deployment of law enforcement agencies.

Another Tk 5 billion has been set aside for costs related to the referendum, postal ballots and other ancillary purposes.

Officials, however, said the allocation might be increased, if necessary.

In 2024, the expenditure for the 12th national election stood at Tk 22.76 billion.

About the increased cost, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the rise in expenditure is natural as this time the referendum along with the national election and also the postal balloting system alongside the manual (traditional) balloting system were behind the rise in the cost.

“The expenses are expected to be higher than before as we are arranging voting for the general election and also the referendum and using the postal ballots alongside the manual ballots,” he said.

On December 11, the Election Commission announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.

The EC, headed by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, introduced the IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system with the combination of digital registration and manual balloting for the first time in the country for the expatriate Bangladeshis living in more than 120 foreign countries.

The Commission also is using the new postal balloting system for the government employees working outside their respective constituencies, the polling personnel and the people under legal custody inside Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Why AL will be liable for election-related Violence — explained by foreign adviser

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain has explained his earlier remark that if any violence or terrorist activities occur surrounding the election, the responsibility will fall on the Awami League. Responding to a question on the matter, without naming the Awami League directly, he said that if...

en.prothomalo.com

Why AL will be liable for election-related Violence — explained by foreign adviser

Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 28 Jan 2026, 21: 50

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry on Wednesday afternoon. Prothom Alo

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain has explained his earlier remark that if any violence or terrorist activities occur surrounding the election, the responsibility will fall on the Awami League.

Responding to a question on the matter, without naming the Awami League directly, he said that if disorder breaks out in the upcoming election, it is likely to be caused by those who are not participating in the polls or are unable to do so.

The foreign adviser answered various questions from journalists at the foreign ministry on Wednesday afternoon.

A reporter asked whether the government was certain that violence would take place during the election.

In reply, Touhid Hossain said, “No, we are not certain of that at all. But there is concern that any kind of sabotage attempt could occur. Officials from the home ministry can explain the day-to-day developments in more detail. However, we believe that if any danger or such conflict arises, it would not normally be expected to come from those who are taking part in the election. Everyone who is participating in the election is showing sufficient restraint in their activities. Therefore, if any disorder happens, it is likely to be caused by those who are not participating or are unable to participate. That is why this statement is being made.”

It may be noted that the Government of Bangladesh expressed surprise and deep anger after fugitive Sheikh Hasina, convicted of crimes against humanity, was given the opportunity to speak at a public event in New Delhi, the capital of India, on 25 January.

In a statement issued by the foreign ministry that day, it was said that her speech incited violence with the aim of overthrowing the government of Bangladesh and disrupting the upcoming national election, posing a threat to the country’s democratic transition and security.

Referring to the recent provocative statements by the Awami League leadership, the ministry’s statement said that these actions proved why the interim government had been compelled to ban the party’s activities. It also stated that responsibility for any violence or terrorist acts committed before or on election day would fall on the organisation concerned.​

 

[Saif]

Home Adviser asks officials to uphold integrity, professionalism in election duties

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Thursday asked election officials and members of law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, efficiency and professionalism. “Government officials are not members of any political party. They are s

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Home Adviser asks officials to uphold integrity, professionalism in election duties

UNB
Published :
Jan 29, 2026 23:20
Updated :
Jan 29, 2026 23:20

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Thursday asked election officials and members of law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, efficiency and professionalism.

“Government officials are not members of any political party. They are salaried employees of the state, paid by taxpayers’ money. Any form of partiality or biased conduct towards a political party will not be accepted,” he said.

The adviser made the remarks while speaking at a law and order coordination meeting at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium at Rajarbagh in the capital in the afternoon.

The meeting was organised by the Home Ministry and the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office to ensure the smooth conduct of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

If evidence is found that anyone has worked in favour of a candidate or pursued a partisan agenda, the government will take departmental and strict legal action without any leniency, he warned.

He also instructed officials and law enforcers to strictly avoid accepting money or any other benefits from candidates or their representatives, stressing that even accepting food would be unacceptable.

Jahangir Alam said the democratic future of the country would be determined through the national election, cautioning that a flawed or non-transparent election could push the nation into uncertainty.

“The role, conduct and responsibility of officials and law enforcement personnel are extremely important. I am hopeful that with collective efforts, we will be able to set a benchmark in the upcoming election that will be appreciated not only at home but also internationally,” he added.

They said no one should be allowed to violate the law, and anyone involved in illegal activities must be brought under legal action.

He urged all concerned to thoroughly understand and follow the Representation of the People Order (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025, circulars issued by the Home Ministry, and directives of the Election Commission.

“Neutrality must be reflected in words, actions, conduct, announcements and implementation,” he said.

The adviser also instructed senior officials to regularly brief their subordinate officers and staff on election conduct and preparations, suggesting that meetings could be held daily at district and metropolitan levels to review preparations, challenges, ongoing activities, upcoming plans, dos and don’ts, and compliance with the code of conduct.

Deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, upazila nirbahi officers, regional, district and upazila election officers, officers-in-charge of police stations from across Dhaka Division, as well as additional police commissioners, joint police commissioners, deputy police commissioners and OCs of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Commonwealth, EU to deploy large observer missions for upcoming polls

The Commonwealth and the European Union (EU) are among the leading international organisations set to deploy large teams of election observers for Bangladesh's upcoming general election and the referendum, scheduled for 12 February. The Chief Adviser's Press Wing said this today, Thursday...

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Commonwealth, EU to deploy large observer missions for upcoming polls

BSS
Published: 29 Jan 2026, 20: 06

The Commonwealth and the European Union (EU) are among the leading international organisations set to deploy large teams of election observers for Bangladesh's upcoming general election and the referendum, scheduled for 12 February.

The Chief Adviser's Press Wing said this today, Thursday referring to messages received in Dhaka.

Former President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo will lead the 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group, Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey announced in London earlier this month.

President Akufo-Addo will be joined by experts from across the Commonwealth with professional backgrounds in politics, law, media, gender, and election administration.


The Observer Group will be supported by a secretariat team led by Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser of the Electoral Support Section.

In a statement issued on 21 January, the Commonwealth said the Observer Group's mandate is to independently assess whether the electoral process and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner.

"The group will report on the conduct of the electoral process in line with the standards to which Bangladesh has committed itself, including its national laws," the statement said.

The Commonwealth Observer Group includes Jeffrey Salim Waheed, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives; David John Francis, former Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone; Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi, former senator of Malaysia, as well as representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Fiji, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Zambia.

The Commonwealth announcement followed confirmation from the European Union that around 200 observers from the 27 EU member states, along with Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, would join the EU's Election Observation Mission (EOM) in Bangladesh.

The EU EOM will be led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament from Latvia.

It will include at least seven other Members of the European Parliament-Lukas Mandl (Austria), Lor nt Vincze (Romania), Tom s Zdechovsky (Czechia), Leire Paj¡n (Spain), Serban Dimitrie Sturdza (Romania), Michael McNamara (Ireland), and Catarina Vieira (Netherlands)-who will visit Bangladesh between 10 February and 14 February.

The EU EOM began its activities with the arrival of a core team on 29 December. The core team comprises 11 analysts, supported by logistical and security experts, and is assessing all stages of the electoral process, including legal, political, electoral, and media aspects.

In addition, 56 long-term observers were deployed on 17 January across all administrative divisions.

They are monitoring electoral developments in their respective areas and reporting to the core team in Dhaka. Shortly before the election day, they will be joined by 90 short-term observers.

On the election day, the mission will be further reinforced by observers from diplomatic missions accredited in Bangladesh and Members of the European Parliament, who will observe voting, counting, and the tabulation of results.

The EU said its observers would strictly adhere to the international code of conduct for election observation, maintaining neutrality and impartiality and refraining from any interference in the electoral process.

Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator, who is supporting the coordination of election observer visits on behalf of the interim government, said confirmations from international organisations and countries were increasing daily.


"We feel really encouraged to see the growing interest from election observers from countries and organisations, which reflects their confidence in the Interim Government and the Bangladesh Election Commission to hold a free and fair election," she said.

Nearly 2,000 candidates, including representatives from more than 50 political parties and independents, are contesting 300 parliamentary seats. The election will be held simultaneously with a referendum on the July reform charter.​

 

[Saif]

47pc people want to see Tarique as next PM: survey

More than 47 per cent people of the country see the possibility of Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman to become the next prime minister.

www.newagebd.net

47pc people want to see Tarique as next PM: survey
Staff Correspondent 31 January, 2026, 00:57

Tarique Rahman

More than 47 per cent people of the country see the possibility of Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman to become the next prime minister.Bangladesh travel guides

Private organisation Innovision Consulting revealed the finding from the Round 3 of its People’s Election Pulse Survey at a ceremony at BDBL Building in the capital’s Karwan Bazar on Friday.

The survey data show that 47.6 per cent of respondents believe Tarique Rahman will be the future Bangladesh prime minister; 22.5 per cent think Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir Shafiqur Rahman will become prime minister; 2.7 per cent of those surveyed named Nahid Islam as the future prime minister.

However, 22.2 per cent of respondents said that they could not say who the future prime minister would be.

The survey was conducted between January 16 and 27 this year through phone interviews with 5,147 respondents across the country.

Regarding number votes each party or alliance is likely to fetch, respondents who expressed preference for the BNP-led alliance said that they were likely to secure 52.8 per cent of the vote; those preferred Jamaat-led alliance predicted 31 per cent votes for them; 13.2 per cent respondents did not express any preference, according to the findings.

The survey has also found that 74.2 per cent of voters have already decided which party they will vote for, although female voters remain significantly more undecided than their male counterparts.

Nearly 70 per cent of women respondents said that they had yet to make a final choice.

Alongside the 13th parliamentary elections, a referendum will be held on fundamental constitutional reforms in line with the July National Charter.

The findings also showed that nearly 60 per cent of respondents supported voting ‘yes’, while 22 per cent said they lacked knowledge about the referendum.

The survey report said that 32.9 per cent of former Awami League voters expressed the likelihood of voting for the BNP, while 13.2 per cent said that they might vote for Jamaat; 41.3 per cent said that they were still undecided.

The report also notes some voters have shifted their support from Jamaat or the National Citizen Party towards the BNP.

It further mentions that swing voters are also now choosing the BNP.

Among the respondents, 93.3 per cent said that they planned to vote in the next election, indicating a sharp rise in electoral engagement compared with earlier survey rounds.

The survey results were presented at the event by Innovision Consulting managing director Md Rubaiyath Sarwar, with analysts noting that voter sentiment could still shift as political developments might unfold with the Election Day nearing further.

It is tracking changes in voter attitudes as the election approaches amid political uncertainty and concerns over electoral violence.

Among respondents who had earlier said that they would not vote, 78.5 per cent now reported an intention to participate, while nearly 90 per cent of previously undecided respondents also expressed willingness to vote.

Voting intention remains comparatively lower among Gen Z voters, although overall participation among young voters is still high, the survey finds.

Public confidence in election administration also improved: about 72.3 per cent of respondents said that they believed that the government would be able to organise a fair election, an increase from the previous survey round.

Confidence in the impartiality of law enforcement and local administration rose to 74.4 per cent, while 82 per cent of respondents said they felt safe about casting their votes at polling centres.​

 

[Saif]

Election result delay beyond 12 hours to signal dishonest intent: Mirza Abbas

BNP senior leader and party-nominated candidate for Dhaka-8 Mirza Abbas on Saturday said any delay beyond 12 hours in announcing the upcoming national election results would indicate dishonest intentions. “I have heard it may take a long time to announce the results. If results cannot be dec

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election result delay beyond 12 hours to signal dishonest intent: Mirza Abbas

Published :
Jan 31, 2026 20:51
Updated :
Jan 31, 2026 20:51

BNP senior leader and party-nominated candidate for Dhaka-8 Mirza Abbas on Saturday said any delay beyond 12 hours in announcing the upcoming national election results would indicate dishonest intentions.

“I have heard it may take a long time to announce the results. If results cannot be declared within two hours after voting ends, at most it may take 12 hours. Beyond that, we will assume there are evil motives,” he said, UNB reports.

Mirza Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking at an election views-exchange meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) and two other organisations at Ananda Community Centre in Nayapaltan.

He said BNP polling agents will not leave polling centres until the results are officially announced.

“We cannot accept claims that it will take three days to announce results. Previously, results were completed by evening. Why three days now, and whom do you want to make win?” the BNP leader questioned.

Expressing concern over possible irregularities on polling day, Abbas warned that any attempt to cast fake votes using ‘burqas’ would be resisted. “We respect the burqa—my mother used to wear one. But we will not tolerate fake voting under the cover of a burqa.”

He said the country is going through an uneasy period and that while police harassment has declined after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, people are still not living in comfort or peace.

Narrating his political experience, Abbas said age does not mean ineffectiveness; rather, experience is an asset for the younger generation. “If experience is not utilised, the new generation will not be able to move forward.

Mentioning his long-standing familiarity with the area, the BNP leader said that the poor and distressed people of the area, as well as wealthy individuals and businesspeople, know him well. “No businessman in this city can say that they were able to even buy me a cup of tea for their own interest.”

On election strategy, Abbas said rallies and processions are easy, but securing votes is the real task, urging party leaders and activists to go door to door to convince voters.

He also alleged that conspiracies against BNP have not stopped and warned of possible attempts to create instability in Dhaka-8 to disrupt the election.

“They (NCP candidate and his supporters) are provoking us in many ways. My leaders and activists are exercising patience. I thank Allah for giving me the strength to remain patient. I am enduring unspeakable abuse and staying in the field with the activists, clinging to the ground,” Abbas said.

The BNP leader said the election has been achieved through long struggles and sacrifices and is not a gift.

“Just as independence was not gifted, voting rights are not donated either,” he said, urging party workers to remain alert against any attempts to manipulate the election.

After the meeting, he carried out door-to-door campaigning in Bhasani Gali, Jonaki Cinema Hall Gali and the lanes opposite Paltan Police Station.

Later in the afternoon, he offered prayers at Old Paltan Jame Mosque and campaigned in the surrounding areas.​