EC ‘fully prepared’ to hold election, referendum on same day, says Nasir

He says citizens are already participating in electoral activities

The Election Commission (EC) has told Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus that it is “fully prepared” to organise the national election and referendum on the same day.

The update was shared on Sunday evening when Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin met Yunus at his official residence Jamuna, according to a statement issued by the Chief Advisor’s Office.

During the meeting, the CEC said all preparations were progressing in full swing for the polls, set for the first half of February.

He noted that citizens had already begun engaging with election-related activities, creating a nationwide electoral atmosphere.

Expressing satisfaction with the EC’s preparations, Yunus said the government would continue to provide “all possible support” to ensure a “free and impartial election”.

“[The EC] is in the driving seat for this much-awaited election,” he said. “We must reach our desired goal.”

He added that the interim government remained committed to delivering a credible national election, saying: “We are moving ahead with the determination to present the nation with the best election in its history in the first half of February.”

Earlier in the day, the EC held a meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban, chaired by the CEC.

Following the meeting, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the commission had decided to extend polling hours by one hour, adding 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon. Voting will be held continuously from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

He also said the election schedule would be announced on any day between Dec 8 and 15.