United News of Bangladesh

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker on Tuesday said officials assigned to perform election duties will carry out publicity about the referendum but won’t campaign for or against any side. “Our position on the referendum is that we are encouraging people to participate in it. However, those entrusted with election duty will not legally work in favour of or against any side,” he said while responding to a question from reporters at his office in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. The Election Commissioner said returning officers, assistant returning officers and other election officials would carry out publicity related to the referendum but would not take sides. “No returning officer or assistant returning officer is campaigning for any side. Those appointed as returning officers cannot do that,” he claimed. Replying to a question on whether publishing election results might take longer this time due to the counting of postal ballots alongside manual ballots for both the general election and the referendum, Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission is trying to announce the results within the expected timeframe. Imams can play key role in holding successful referendum: Jashore DC “In previous elections, we usually saw that most unofficial results came in by midnight. This time as well, it will be similar—at most by late night or by the following day,” he said. Responding to another question regarding demands to ban the Jatiya Party from participating in the election, the Election Commissioner said registered political parties that have valid nominations will take part in the polls. “We believe that all registered parties with nominations will contest the election,” Anwar said. About the maintenance of electoral code of conduct, he said mobile courts have so far conducted drives in 128 constituencies. “They identified 144 violations of the code of conduct, fined a total of Tk 905,500 and filed 94 cases in the last 18 days since January 8,” he added. Addressing allegations by Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) that there is no level-playing field, Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission has already taken necessary measures to address their complaints. “We have forwarded every specific complaint they submitted to the concerned returning officers and the Electoral Inquiry Committees, and action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said. EC Anwar said the EC believes the overall election atmosphere this time is much better than many previous elections. Nation's future hinges on ‘Yes’ vote in referendum: Land Adviser He said the people are participating in the election with full confidence. “Political parties are taking part, and election campaigns are being conducted in a festive manner across the country. These things are reflection of public confidence (in EC),” the Election Commissioner said. Asked whether the Election Commission has any concerns about the February 12 elections, Anwarul Islam said the commission has taken all necessary steps to ensure a fair and neutral election.“Inshallah, you, the nation and the world will see that a fair election is held on February 12.”  

Prof Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, on Thursday said the key to the nation’s success rests with the country’s people. Speaking at a consultation meeting organised by the Khulna Divisional Administration at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office auditorium, Prof Riaz emphasised the importance of public participation in the referendum and voter mobilisation. Ali Riaz, also the chief coordinator of the public awareness campaign team on the upcoming referendum, urged people to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to reform the country and establish equality and dignity, marking their ballots with a tick. BNP in favour of ‘Yes’ in referendum: Mahdi Amin Ali Riaz highlighted that the July National Charter 2025 reflects the aspirations of people.  “Although this charter is printed in black ink, its true meaning has been written in blood. While we may not have contributed with our blood, it is our responsibility to recognise the July National Charter 2025.” He said the referendum is the best mechanism to determine the future system of government, and even though the interim government remains neutral in national elections, it supports the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. According to the constitution, he said, public servants face no restrictions in campaigning for the ‘Yes’ vote. Nation's future hinges on ‘Yes’ vote in referendum: Land Adviser At the event, Special Guest Monir Haider, Special Assistant (Consensus) to the Chief Adviser, said the main aim of the 2024 mass uprising was to create a fascism-free and inequality-free society. “This referendum serves to gauge public support for a new Bangladesh and a new settlement. Voting in favour of the July National Charter will constitutionally block the path of fascism,” he added. Presided over by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Prof Dr Md Maksud Helali, Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Range DIG Md Rezaul Haque, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Zahidul Hasan. Officials from all 10 districts of Khulna Division, including district, divisional, and upazila-level officers, election officials, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, teachers and students from schools and colleges, civil society members, NGO representatives and media personnel, attended the consultation meeting.

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Friday said that campaigning in favor of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum is a collective obligation for the state. She made the remarks while answering journalists’ questions after a discussion with district- and divisional-level health officials in Sylhet on the referendum. “Citizens do not need to understand the constitution or the difference between the upper and lower houses. What matters is explaining how the referendum will affect their daily lives and building public opinion in favor of ‘Yes’,” she said. She also warned that those opposed to elections would do everything possible to prevent them. “The more people we can engage, the more we can defeat anti-election and malevolent forces,” she added. Earlier, during the meeting with divisional health officials, Nurjahan directed all officials of the Health Department to campaign for the ‘Yes’ vote. She also suggested involving NGOs alongside government offices to support the campaign. None can destroy communal harmony in Bangladesh: Adviser Nurjahan On the sidelines, she said the opening of Sylhet District Hospital has been delayed due to staff shortages, but the issue will be resolved soon. The discussion was chaired by District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam and attended by Health and Family Welfare Ministry Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman, along with health officials at district and divisional levels.  

Finance Ministry Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Friday asked government officials to be patient regarding the new pay scale. He said the pay scale has been prepared after 10 years. “There are many calculations. A committee has been formed. They are working. After the committee submits its report, the scale will be implemented,” he said. He added that funding is the main issue and assured that there is no reason to be discouraged. Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed made the remarks while inspecting the Gurudaspur Upazila Mini Stadium in Natore. He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Finance Secretary Dr. Sheikh Khairuzzaman Majumdar, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, and other senior officials. The finance adviser also said that everyone should vote in favor of referendum. He noted that there has never been a reform in Bangladesh for the people; changes have always been party-based. Pay Commission to reveal report date soon, work continues: Dr Salehuddin He further added, “Through referendum, the political government will gain strength in the future. That is why the government is speaking in favor of public voting.” Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed praised the mini stadium during his visit. Natore Deputy Commissioner Asma Shahin briefed him about the facilities.  

Apparently ruling out the possibility of the Awami League’s participation in the upcoming national election, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday (December 15, 2025) said that no democratic country in the world would allow an organisation led by such a ‘terrible criminal’ to engage in any form of activity, let alone taking part in elections. “This (AL) party leader (Sheikh Hasina), is a fugitive from justice, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, and is calling for terrorist attacks against Bangladesh,” he told UNB when asked whether the Awami League would be permitted to participate in the next general election. 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. Read more: No uncertainty over national election, reaffirms CEC Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule in his pre-recorded speech telecast by state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar recently. 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). Read more: Jamaat Ameer warns against return to ‘fascist past’

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). DMP Commissioner calls for absolute neutrality from police during election 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. Read more: First step toward fair polls taken, many challenges remain: Golam Parwar 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. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics 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. Read more: Election 2026: 3 EC officials appointed as returning officers for first time

The much-sought schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum will be announced at 6pm on Thursday (December 11, 2025), Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Md Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday. “The schedule will be announced at 6pm on Thursday, with Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar airing the Chief Election Commissioner’s national address,” he said while talking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon. The CEC’s speech was already recorded by Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar on Wednesday afternoon, which will be aired at 6 pm on Thursday. Replying to a question, the secretary said the schedule would be declared for elections in all 300 constituencies. When asked about the Appellate Division’s directive to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat district, he said, “The schedule will be announced tomorrow. As of now, the decision is to announce the schedule for 300 seats because we have not received any court order yet. If corrections are needed later, that can be done accordingly.” The Appellate Division on Wednesday upheld a High Court verdict declaring the Election Commission's gazette—reducing the number of parliamentary seats in Bagerhat by one—as illegal. On September 4, the Election Commission finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, bringing changes to the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 districts. The changes reduced the number of seats in Bagerhat from four to three and increased Gazipur’s seats from five to six. Following the Appellate Division’s verdict, now the Election Commission would need to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat and five constituencies in Gazipur district. Earlier on Wednesday, the Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban to brief overall preparations to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections and the referendum. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah as well as EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present in the meeting. The President expressed satisfaction over the overall preparations undertaken by the EC for the upcoming election and the referendum. “The President expressed satisfaction after we informed him in detail,” EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters after a meeting. The Secretary said they informed the President about extending the balloting hours by one hour—now set from 7:30am to 4:30pm. “When we said that we extended the balloting hour by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm, he termed the decision logical and expressed his satisfaction,” he said. During the meeting, he said, they apprised the President of various preparatory activities, including the updating of electoral rolls, the registration of new political parties and Out-of Country Voting (OCV) and In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV). The President was also briefed on the Commission’s plan to use two types of ballot papers—one for the national election and another for the referendum—to be held simultaneously on the same day, said Akhtar Ahmed. The President assured them that he would extend all necessary cooperation and support for the arrangement of a free, fair and meaningful election. There are some 12.76 crore voters under 42,761 polling stations across the country’s 300 constituencies. White ballot papers will be used for the national election and pink ballot papers for the referendum. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practiced in the previous elections. Read more: Prof Yunus calls upcoming election a historic chance to shape ‘new Bangladesh’ This is the first time the Election Commission is introducing a 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. Till Wednesday (December 10), nearly 300,000 expatriate voters from some 120 countries across the world have already registered through ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app to vote in the national election and referendum. The registration process for expatriates will continue till December 25. The ICPV (In-Country Postal Voting) registration process for the government staff on duty outside their voting places, polling personnel, and the persons under the legal custody (jails) will start after the announcement of election schedule and continue for 15 days. According to EC’s projection, some 10 lakh people from inside the country may vote through the postal ballot papers in the election.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin expressed satisfaction over the preparations undertaken by the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). “The President expressed satisfaction after we informed him in detail,” Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters after a meeting between Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, four election commissioners and the EC Secretary with the President at Bangabhaban. CEC briefs President on polls preparations announcement The Secretary said they informed the President about extending the balloting hours by one hour—now set from 7:30am to 4:30pm. “When we said that we extended the balloting hour by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm, he termed the decision logical and expressed his satisfaction,” he said. During the meeting, he said, they apprised the President of various preparatory activities, including the updating of electoral rolls and the registration of new political parties. The President was also briefed on the Commission’s plan to use two types of ballot papers—one for the national election and another for the referendum—to be held simultaneously on the same day, said Akhtar Ahmed. Election Commission to meet President Dec 10

The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, will meet on Sunday (Dec 7) to review overall preparations and finalise the date for announcing the schedule for the upcoming national election and referendum, both slated for February 2026. The Commission has finished all necessary preparations to announce the election schedule and the date for the election schedule is most likely to be finalised in Sunday’s meeting, said EC officials. “We’ve completed 100 percent preparations and the date for the election schedule has not finalised yet,” EC’s senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed told a training workshop at the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) in the city’s Agargaon area. He, however, trashed news published by several media outlets that disclosed the specific dates for schedule and election saying that the dates have not been fixed yet. Read more: BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule Quoting the CEC, he said the election schedule will be declared in the second week of December. The Secretary said the white ballot paper would be used for the general election, while the pink ballot papers would be for the referendum.    Later talking to UNB, the Secretary said they reviewed pre-schedule preparation in a meeting on Saturday as well.  Replying to a question if the polls schedule date to be decided on Sunday’s meeting, he said, “It’s up to the commission and it may finalise the date tomorrow (Subnday).”   About the preparation regarding amendment to electoral laws, he said the amendment to Representation of the People Order has already been approved by the government (the Council of Advisers), while the revised election code of conduct and election conducting rules are in the Law Ministry for vetting. The gazettes of these laws will be published within a couple of days, he added. According to the EC officials, there will be nine agenda for Sunday's meeting. The agenda includes the overall preparation for arrangement of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, pre- and post-schedule activities, coordination with field-level administration, registration of political parties and reviewing National Identity Card (NID) correction application system and finalisation of SOP in this regard. Read more: BD Polls: EC rejects proposal to increase polling centres, cites voting time Since this time the national election and referendum on July National Charter (reform charter) will be held simultaneously in a single day, the EC considers setting up two marking (secret stamping corners) places in each booth of the polling stations if there is enough space, while increasing the number of booths in other polling stations. But the Commission has yet to assess how many additional polling booths will be installed and how many polling booths will have two marking places. In this regard, the EC Secretary said the decision over installation of additional booths and two marking places in a booth could be taken later even after the announcement of the election schedule. Besides, the Commission considers extending the eight-hour balloting period by one hour (from 7:30am to 4:30pm) as every voter will need to cast two votes –one for an MP candidate and another for the referendum. Read more: Bangladesh Polls: EC considers picking a symbolic number of returning officers from its own staff The Election Commission on October 27 released the list of 42,761 polling stations throughout the country for the 13th parliamentary election, raising the number by around 611 from what was in the 2024 national election.

The Election Commission (EC) is considering appointing a symbolic number of returning officers (ROs) from its own officials—alongside Deputy Commissioners—for the first time in a parliamentary election in Bangladesh. The Commission has begun preparing a list of qualified senior officials, primarily regional election officers and senior district election officers, with the intention of appointing a small number of ROs from within the EC during the upcoming national election and referendum, likely to be held in a single day in February, 2026, officials said. Election experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening the Commission’s control over the electoral process. Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker hinted that the Commission may appoint some ROs from its own staff in the 13th parliamentary election if suitable officers are found. Read more: EC urges caution against creating confusion over election schedule, voting date “If we find fitted persons among them, they might be made returning officers,” he told UNB on Thursday. The Election Commissioner, however, said no decision has been taken yet in this regard. Although EC officials have previously served as ROs in various local government elections—city corporations, upazilas, municipalities and union parishads—they have never been appointed to the role in a national election or by-election. Former commissions argued that EC officials lack full control over the entire local administration including magistrates, different service officers and law enforcement agency members, which is a barrier for them to conduct a peaceful and fair parliamentary election. BNP has recently demanded the appointment of ROs and assistant returning offices (AROs) from the EC officers. Several political parties, civil society members and EC officers themselves have also long been urging the Commission to appoint ROs from among EC officials. Besides, the Electoral System Reform Commission formed by the current interim government recommended the EC’s own staff shall be prioratised in appointment of ROs and AROs in the election. If there is no adequate number of EC’s staff to perform such duty, then appointment shall be made from the administration and other cadre services, the Reform Commission’s report recommended. BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule Chief of Electoral System Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar told UNB that the move to appoint some ROs from their own staff would be a positive initiative, noting that the Commission often distances itself from responsibility for flawed elections. “The Commission usually says returning officers—not they—are liable for a bad election. If the returning officers are chosen from their own staff, the Commission will no longer be able to shift the blame,” he said. According to the Article 7 of the Representation of the People Order 1972, the Commission shall appoint a Returning Officer for each constituency for the purpose of election of a member for that constituency; and a person may be appointed as Returning Officer for two or more constituencies. The RPO Article also states that the Commission may appoint as many Assistant Returning Officers as may be necessary but provided that no Assistant Returning Officer shall be appointed for more than one constituency. On November 19 last, a BNP delegation headed by its Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan at the EC’s pre-election dialogue demanded the Election Commission to appoint returning officers (ROs) and assistant returning officers (AROs) from the EC’s own staff in the elections to bring a positive change in the country’s politics. “If you show courage once to take a decision that the returning officers and assistant returning officers would be appointed from the dedicated persons of your election commission, Bangladesh would witness a qualitative change in its politics,” said Dr Moyeen Khan in the dialogue. Read more: Over 156,000 Bangladeshi expats registered so far to vote The EC usually appoints a returning officer for all the constituencies in a district with some exceptions.  In the last 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024, a total of 66 returning officers were appointed for the country’s 300 constituencies – one RO for each 62 district and two ROs each for Dhaka and Chattogram districts. Deputy Commissioners were made ROs for 62 districts, while respective Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for the constituencies in Dhaka and Chattogram districts at that time.  The RPO article also defined the duty of ROs stating that it shall be the duty of a Returning Officer to do all such acts and things as may be necessary for effectively conducting an election in accordance with the provisions of this RPO and the electoral rules. The RPO article 7(4) also states “Subject to the superintendance, direction, and control of the Commission, the Returning Officer shall supervise all works in the district [or constituency] in connection with the conduct of elections and shall also perform such other duties and functions as may be entrusted to him by the Commission. Read more: BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule