The much-sought national election and a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 will simultaneously be held on February 12 (Thursday) under a non-political government after 18 years as the Election Commission announced the schedule on Thursday evening.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule in his pre-recorded speech telecast by state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar at 6 pm.

According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).

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The last date for submission of appeal against the decisions of the returning officers is January 11 and the appeals would be disposed of on January 12-18.  The returning officers will publish the final lists of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21.

The balloting will be held from 7:30am to 4:30pm without any break on February 12.

According to the final voter list published on November 18 last, a total of 12.76 crore (127,695,183 –64,814,907 males, 62,879,042 females and 1,234 third-gender) voters will have the opportunity to vote in more than 42,000 polling stations under the country's 300 constituencies in the 2026 general election and referendum.

The national election along with a referendum is going to be held for the first time in the history of Bangladesh elections.

This election is set to differ from previous general elections in several ways because the use of posters has been banned during the campaign, while digital campaigning and billboards are permitted.

Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practised in the previous elections.

This is the first time the Election Commission has introduced an IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting.

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No general election was held under a non-political administration after 2008 as the last three parliamentary elections were held in 2014, 2018 and 2028 under the Awami League government. The 9th parliamentary election was held on December 29, 2008 under the army-backed caretaker government.

CEC’s Call for Fearless Voting 

AMM Nasir Uddin urged the voters to cast their votes in the February-12 national election and the referendum without any hesitation, rising above fears and limitations.

“Voting is not only your civic right but also a sacred trust and responsibility. I believe you will consciously carry out this responsibility. Exercise your right to vote without hesitation, rising above any fear, temptation, deception and limitations,” he said.

He assured all that the institutions and forces concerned would work to ensure their safe and festive participation in the election.

The CEC urged everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, group and gender, to participate in this ‘joyous event’. “Everyone, including the disabled, elderly and children of the family and expectant mothers, should come and vote. I hope that through your enthusiastic participation, the voting will turn into a festival event," he said.

Unique Election

The CEC also cited the reasons why this election is unique and important in the history of the nation. “This election is unique and important in the history of our nation for several reasons. (First) It is an election to decide on the desired reforms as well as the restoration of genuine democratic trends. This time, the parliamentary elections and the referendum will be held on the same day, which is a new experience,” he said.

CEC Nasir urges voters to vote fearlessly

Mentioning the second reason, he said this election is a unique opportunity for all relevant state and democratic institutions to prove their capabilities and restore their image.  After a long democratic movement and struggle, this election demands the introduction of the trend of a harmonious democratic competition among political parties for the sake of the country’s interests, he said as a third reason.

“The almost ineffective postal voting system is being revamped and given an effective form to this election,” he said, citing the fourth reason.

Postal Balloting

More than 313,000 expatriate Bangladeshi voters from different countries across the world have already registered through a mobile app, ‘Postal Vote Bd’, since November 18 last to vote in the upcoming election.

The out-of-country voting (OCV) registration process started on November 18 last, while the ICPV (In-Country Postal Voting) registration process will soon start. But the registration process for both groups will continue till December 25.  

The CEC urged the expatriate voters to avail of this opportunity and exercise their rights to build the country.

CEC Nasir warned against the growing trend of misinformation, especially AI-generated false content, on social media saying that necessary legal measures would be taken under existing laws to curb such activities.

“My special request to you is, do not pay heed to any information spread for false or malicious purposes; do not accept it. Remember, sharing false information is also a punishable offense,” he said.

Pointing at the aspirants and political parties, Nasir urged them to follow the code of conduct to ensure a peaceful and festive election atmosphere. “Your goal should be to earn the trust and confidence of voters by ensuring peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.”

Talking about election officials, the CEC stressed maintaining transparency, impartiality and integrity without fear, saying no negligence would be tolerated.

“The Election Commission is committed to carrying out its duties with transparency, impartiality and firmness. As part of the Commission, you should fearlessly carry out your duties with honesty and impartiality. Remember, no laxity or negligence will be tolerated in this regard,” he said.

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Noting that the vital role of the media and observers is enormous in the arrangement of a fair and credible election, he expressed hope that they would perform their duties with highest professionalism and objectivity.

The CEC sought active cooperation of all political parties, candidates and voters in the election process. “I appeal to all to make the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum a success and play a historic role in our democratic progress,” he said.

In the beginning of his speech, the CEC extended greetings to the people of the country on the eve of the great Victory Day and paid tributes to the martyrs of the great Liberation War and the student-led July-August 2024 uprising.

“Unfortunately, it is true that the absence of quality elections has often faded our traditions and collective expectations. It is in such a context that the 2024 mass uprising took place,” he said.

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