EC to set plans in motion for February election after Yunus sets timeline

With elections expected before Ramadan in February 2026, the commission says it is preparing a detailed timeline and action plan

The Election Commission (EC) says it will unveil the official election schedule 50 to 60 days before the parliamentary polls, set for the first half of February.

The timeline was announced by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday as Bangladesh begins its “transition to an elected government”.

In a televised address marking the anniversary of the July Uprising, Yunus said he would formally write to the chief election commissioner to organise the election ahead of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Feb 18 next year.

“From this day forward, we enter the final and most crucial chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government,” Yunus said.

In response, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said preparations were already under way.

“The chief advisor has set the expected timeframe. We will soon publish an action plan detailing what we will do and when…,” he said.

Election expert and electoral reform commission member Abdul Alim welcomed the announcement, saying it ends speculation that elections may be delayed.

“Rumours were swirling with some saying the vote wouldn’t take place in February, others doubted whether it would take place within two or three years. That cloud of uncertainty is now gone,” he said.

He noted that Yunus mentioned only a probable timeframe, not a specific date, leaving that responsibility to the EC, as is constitutional practice.

“In our history, no interim or sitting government has ever announced an election date; only the Election Commission has that mandate. Now, every party knows we are heading into election mode,” Alim said.

He suggested the EC may also prepare a roadmap along with the schedule, which is likely to be announced in late December, after factoring in weather, academic examinations, and other variables.

“Political parties will now prioritise elections over all other activities. The EC’s pre-election preparations will also gain momentum,” he said.

Alim emphasised the importance of preventing political conflict during the election period, echoing Yunus’s message.

“One of the biggest challenges will be law and order,” he said, urging the EC and the government to ensure security measures are in place.

Masud said the EC workstreams such as voter list updates and legal reforms are progressing.

“We’re focused on everything, including law and order,” he said. The EC is finalising proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), which it will soon send to the government.

He added that while the EC will not formally announce a roadmap, it will release an action plan outlining key deadlines and responsibilities.

“We’ll lay out what we’ll do and when each task will be completed.”

Given the Ramadan timeline, the vote will likely take place by Feb 17.

Based on the 50–60 day lead time, the EC is expected to announce the election schedule in the second half of December. According to RPO Article 11, the schedule will specify nomination deadlines, scrutiny dates, withdrawal periods, and the date of the poll.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin previously confirmed that the schedule will be announced about two months before election day.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed added that the Secretariat’s operational plan is already in motion and will be updated in light of Yunus’s announcement. Finalisation of all components will follow after the commission’s approval.