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Published : 12 Dec 2025, 02:12 AM
The anticipation for Bangladesh’s democratic transformation, reshaped by the July Uprising, is palpable across the country.
A critical milestone in fulfilling that expectation has arrived: the Election Commission (EC) has officially announced the schedule for the parliamentary elections, set for Feb 12, 2026 -- a Thursday, coinciding with a nationwide referendum on state reforms.
Political parties have welcomed the announcement, while also noting the challenges that lie ahead for the commission.
Analysts see the announcement as a green signal for the electoral process under the interim government, marking the end of lingering doubts and the start of a historic journey toward citizen-driven governance.
Experts note that the February election will be unlike previous polls. With legal and procedural reforms implemented, the simultaneous parliamentary election and referendum bring a unique dimension to the political landscape.
Yet, the absence of a major party and lingering law-and-order issues could pose obstacles to voter participation. For the EC, the path to a credible, participatory election will test public confidence.
The interim government has assured its full support to ensure a free and fair process. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus congratulated the EC on the schedule.
“With this schedule, Bangladesh’s democratic journey has crossed a critical milestone. Following the historic mass uprising, this election and referendum will consolidate the new path, prioritise public opinion, and further strengthen the foundation of a new Bangladesh,” he said in a message.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin also highlighted the historic significance of the election, citing several reasons why this vote is unprecedented.
‘FOUR REASONS THE VOTE IS CRITICAL’
Democratic restoration and reform: The election represents a return to genuine democratic norms and addresses essential reform questions. Conducting a parliamentary election and referendum simultaneously is an entirely new experience for the country.
Institutional credibility: For all state and democratic institutions, the election provides a unique opportunity to prove competence and rebuild public trust.
Peaceful political competition: Following a prolonged democratic movement, the polls aim to establish a culture of civil and competitive political engagement among parties, prioritising national interest.
Expanding voter participation: For the first time, overseas and incarcerated voters will participate in the election through a refined postal voting system. Government employees stationed outside their constituencies, as well as election staff, will also cast votes via postal ballot, extending democratic inclusion.
SCHEDULE
• Voting day: Thursday, Feb 12, 2026 | 7:30am – 4:30pm
• Nomination submission deadline: Dec 29, 2025
• Nomination scrutiny: Dec 30, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
• Appeal against returning officer orders: Jan 11, 2026
• Appeal resolution: Jan 12–18, 2026
• Withdrawal deadline: Jan 20, 2026
• Final candidate list and symbol allocation: Jan 21, 2026
• Election campaign: Jan 22 – Feb 10, 2026
This time, over 127 million voters will participate across 300 parliamentary seats, comprising around 64.8 million men and 62.8 million women.
PARTY REACTIONS
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed measured satisfaction: “We are moderately satisfied. At the same time, we feel this election will mark the beginning of a new horizon in the country’s democratic history.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad warned that without a level playing field, the vote would not be credible.
“There are various demands, which we will formally present as a coalition before the polls.”
The National Citizen Party’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary voiced scepticism about the commission’s neutrality: “We doubt the EC can remain impartial, especially as SPs and DCs are currently appointed through a lottery system without transparency.
“Law enforcement also appears insufficiently capable. The current EC should have been reconstituted, but elections proceed under its authority.
“Initiatives like overseas voting are welcome, but their effectiveness remains to be proven. This election reflects the ‘London Deal’; a consultative, domestic approach would have been more credible.”
Other parties -- including Gono Odhikar Parishad, Revolutionary Workers Party, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BaSaD) -- have welcomed the schedule, while emphasising the ongoing challenges in ensuring a free, fair, and impartial vote.
‘DOUBTS CLEARED’
Following the student-led movement demanding reform of quotas in government jobs, which culminated in a mass uprising, calls for comprehensive state reforms gained momentum to prevent the return of authoritarian rule.
Within this framework, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus had suggested in last year’s Victory Day address that elections could be held within one to one-and-a-half years. Political pressure, including from the BNP and like-minded parties, intensified, with demands that elections be conducted by December 2025.
In his address to the nation on Jun 6, Yunus initially indicated elections would take place in the first half of April 2026. However, following a meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on Jun 13, both sides revised their positions. A joint statement confirmed the election would now be held in the first half of February.
Despite this, uncertainty lingered as parties debated the completion of the July National Charter and the referendum to implement it. Questions arose publicly over whether elections would actually occur.
On Nov 13, the chief advisor clarified that the parliamentary election and the referendum on implementing the July National Charter would take place on the same day in early February.
Election analyst Abdul Alim told bdnews24.com that the announcement effectively removed doubts surrounding the polls.
“The doubts many had, the questions they raised, no longer remain, and the train of the election has begun its journey toward its final destination,” he said.
Alim noted that the last three elections had faced criticism both domestically and internationally, with questions about fairness. “This time, there is no doubt that people are eager to cast their votes,” he said.
Alim, who was a member of the Election System Reform Commission, added: “Legal and procedural reforms have been implemented, the parliament and referendum are occurring together, and overseas voting is being introduced. These are all milestones.
“Yet challenges remain, and any electoral process must anticipate and plan for them. I trust the EC has done so and will be capable of meeting them.”
‘MANY QUESTIONS, LINGERING DOUBTS’
Political analyst Prof Zobaida Nasreen noted that many issues remain unresolved and unclear. She criticised the government for making little progress over the past 18 months in improving law and order.
“Violence continues in different forms; people and communities are still being targeted arbitrarily. In such an environment, voters cannot fully trust the electoral process… doubts persist.”
She observed that coalition calculations ahead of the polls add to uncertainty. Even with a set election date, questions remain about whether the vote will take place, and the illness of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia introduces a potential “unavoidable circumstance” in public minds.
Nasreen highlighted that the election introduces multiple novel challenges. Many citizens do not fully understand the referendum process -- what it entails and how to participate -- which presents a major hurdle. Also, first-time overseas voters pose logistical challenges.
She stressed that the greatest challenge is ensuring an equal playing field for all candidates and parties. Voters, particularly marginalised communities, minorities, and women, must be able to cast their ballots safely and freely.
“Over the past six months, different misogynistic statements have emerged from multiple parties. Voters are aware that law enforcement is weak, and the government is unlikely to act decisively, which erodes public confidence,” Nasreen said.
She also warned that the absence of the Awami League from the ballot, the Jatiya Party’s uncertainty about participation, and the influence of these dynamics could affect voter behaviour.
“Bangladesh media reports indicate around 35 percent of voters support the Awami League or National Party. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina herself has suggested that these voters could disrupt the election. Their behaviour will remain a significant factor.”
Nasreen emphasised the importance of managing administrative arrangements, noting that conflicting demands exist between the BNP and Jamaat regarding the district administrators.
“Many officials in this structure have partisan affiliations. The EC must create conditions in which it can act impartially and independently. Another constant challenge is how major powers intervene in electoral areas and exert influence -- these are significant issues to monitor during this election.”
‘STRATEGIC PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL’
Political analyst Prof Sabbir Ahmed said, “The vote must take place according to the schedule. Political parties are already on the ground; there is no way back now. The only challenge is whether the vote can be peaceful -- this will be our single biggest test.”
He stressed that preparations are needed to ensure a peaceful election.
“Several preparations are essential, including assessing the capacity of the law-enforcing agencies. Another crucial element is intelligence reporting -- continuous intelligence updates to determine from which corners attempts may arise to obstruct the vote.
“If these reports do not function properly, the election will face serious difficulties.”
The Dhaka University political science professor added, “After Aug 5, in a new situation, different stakeholders -- including the media -- became involved in a kind of propaganda politics. This propaganda has significantly confused people.”
Observing that the changed circumstances demand strategic planning for a peaceful vote, Prof Sabbir said: “After the schedule has been announced, everyone is in the field. The government must now focus entirely on identifying where attempts to disrupt the vote may come from and taking pre-emptive measures -- meaning acting in advance.”
He added that forces capable of disrupting the election are present at the grassroots level.
WHAT EC SECRETARY SAYS
Three days after the fall of the Awami League government, the interim administration under Yunus took office on Aug 8, 2024. The current Election Commission assumed responsibility in November.
The commission, headed by Nasir, includes four other commissioners: Abdur Rahmanel Mashud, Tahmida Ahmed, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah. Akhtar Ahmed serves as the commission secretary.
This election will allow not only overseas voters to participate, but also individuals assigned election duties inside the country, those in lawful custody, and government officials voting away from their home constituencies -- all through postal ballots.
Alongside preparations for the parliamentary election, the commission has completed preparations for the referendum. After conducting a “mock voting” exercise on Nov 29, it decided to extend voting hours and increase the number of secret booths in polling centres.
Nearly 130 million eligible voters will take part in this election, with both party-backed and independent candidates contesting. This time, 55 parties are registered.
Political parties have already responded to the challenges ahead, including demands for a “level playing field” and concerns over law and order.
Asked about these issues, EC Secretary Akhtar said: “With the announcement of the schedule, several circulars are issued, and these circulars are ready -- we will implement them. Whatever is relevant for ensuring a level playing field, we will certainly ensure it.”
He said measures would be taken so that no one could raise any allegation.
While noting that the commission will take strict measures to enforce the code of conduct under the supervision of returning officers at the local level, he also stressed the need for cooperation from political parties.
Akhtar said, “Our measures will be in place. Even so, it is essential that the political parties involved also have goodwill. I believe this, I have confidence in it, and I can say with full conviction that everyone will cooperate.”
He warned that if anyone violates the rules, legal measures applicable to them will be taken.
