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Published : 11 Dec 2025, 02:24 AM
The Election Commission (EC), led by AMM Nasir Uddin, stands ready to announce the schedule for the parliamentary elections, setting the stage for a historic day of double-ballot voting.
The chief election commissioner will address the nation on Thursday at 6pm to unveil the official timetable, which also includes the July National Charter Referendum.
Following the schedule announcement, the EC will strictly enforce the code of conduct. Candidates will be allowed to campaign once election symbols are allocated.
The timetable will outline the last dates for submission and scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidacy, and polling for the parliamentary elections.
For the referendum, only the voting day will be specified.
Voting will take place from 7:30am to 4:30pm.
The EC earlier signalled that the schedule would come in the second week of December, with voting to take place in the first half of February.
A final date is yet to be confirmed, with Febr 8 or 12 being possible, according to an election commissioner.
GOVT, EC ON VOTING PATH
The interim government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, began its tenure on Aug 8, following the fall of the Awami League administration on Aug 5, 2024.
On the eve of its first anniversary, the chief advisor, speaking to the nation on the occasion of the Uprising Day in 2025, announced the national election would be held in the first half of February.
A decision was subsequently made to hold a referendum for the implementation of the Charter, with Yunus confirming on Nov 13 that it would coincide with the parliamentary polls.
The EC completed preparations for both exercises, conducting a mock voting session on Nov 29 that led to adjustments in polling hours and the number of booths.
Nearly 127.7 million voters are expected to participate. In addition to registered expatriates casting postal ballots, voting will also be available to officials away from their constituencies, individuals in legal custody, and personnel overseeing election duties across the country.
SEAT COMPLEXITY
The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division declared “illegal” the EC’s move to reduce Bagerhat’s parliamentary seats from four to three.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the ruling would have little impact on the schedule.
“We will announce the timetable as planned. If the Bagerhat seats cannot be included, we will adjust accordingly,” he added.
The court restored four seats for Bagerhat and five for Gazipur, instructing the EC to publish a revised gazette within 24 hours.
Following the verdict, the chief election commissioner and fellow commissioners held a meeting and recorded the CEC’s address.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the 300-seat schedule remains intact, noting any future adjustments will follow standard procedure once the court order is formally received.
2 ADVISORS RESIGN
Following the EC’s announcement that advisors cannot hold office while voting, two interim government advisors have stepped down.
The resigning officials are Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam.
COUNTING CHALLENGE LOOMS
With elections approaching, parties have finalised candidate nominations. The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and several other parties have already announced their candidates.
Despite preparations, election analyst Abdul Alim warns law and order has not yet reached the desired level.
“Compared with the last four caretaker governments, security conditions are still not fully stabilised. We could not reach the same state at the time of schedule announcement. Once the schedule is declared, all parties and stakeholders must fully focus on the elections,” he said.
Alim highlighted the complexity of managing two ballots in a single day, pointing to time and counting challenges.
“In 2008, voter turnout reached 87 percent. The key issues now are how long it will take for an individual to cast two votes and whether 80 percent of voters can vote smoothly. For 100 million votes, 200 million ballots must be counted,” he explained.
He stressed preparations must prevent disorder during counting. “Delays in counting can unsettle party candidates, potentially triggering violence. This remains the biggest challenge.”
So far, the EC has expressed satisfaction with the voting environment.
Election Commissioner Masud said, “The nation is moving towards a fair election. Enthusiasm and a festive spirit are visible among the public, pointing to a smooth and credible process overall.”
