Election Commission to Finalize Polls Timeline This Week as February Vote Looms

Dhaka, August 5, 2025 – The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is set to finalize the official timeline for the 13th parliamentary election this week, with preparations nearing completion for a potential February 2026 vote. The EC has drafted the election schedule and is focusing on completing logistical, legal, and administrative tasks, including voter list updates, political party registrations, constituency boundary demarcations, and procurement of polling materials, by September-October.

“All preparations are on track to be completed by September-October,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Monday, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to a smooth electoral process. The draft schedule, though without fixed dates, will soon include key deadlines for nomination submissions, scrutiny, candidature withdrawal, and polling day. Ahmed clarified that the final schedule’s announcement lies solely with the EC and will be shared transparently.

Following a recent London meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, the interim government indicated that the election could take place before Ramadan in early February 2026, contingent on the progress of reforms and legal proceedings. The BNP has been urging the government for a clear and transparent election date. A European Union pre-election observer team, comprising three international and four local observers, is expected to arrive in mid-September to monitor preparations. Meanwhile, public anticipation grows for Chief Adviser Yunus to announce a tentative election schedule soon. **Key EC Updates:** - **Political Party Registration**: Of 145 parties applying for registration, 80 submitted required documents by August 3, while six sought extensions. Fifty-nine failed to respond, and 89 applications are under review. - **Voter List**: The updated voter list, released on March 2, recorded 123.7 million voters. A revised list, including door-to-door verification, will be published on August 10, with a supplementary list due one month before the election. The final voter count may reach 130 million. - **Constituency Boundaries**: Draft demarcations for 300 constituencies are published, with objections accepted until August 10. Final decisions are expected by month-end. - **Legal Framework**: Amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and political party conduct codes will be finalized in a Thursday meeting. Three additional laws are under review by the Ministry of Law’s Legislative Wing. - **AI Safeguards**: The EC is exploring technical measures to prevent AI misuse during the election. - **Election Materials**: All essential materials, including transparent ballot boxes, will be procured by September 30. - **Expatriate Voting**: A Tk48 crore postal ballot project for expatriates is awaiting Planning Commission approval. The EC is also finalizing the election manual, training election officers, and preparing polling centers, ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory frameworks.