The government is making brisk preparations to ensure a peaceful and credible 13th National Parliamentary Election, expected to be held in the first half of February next year. All relevant state agencies are working in close coordination for the purpose.
With the interim government aiming to conduct what it calls the most “credible and peaceful election in history,” all relevant state agencies and institutions, including the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), have been instructed to gear up accordingly.
The EC is taking comprehensive measures to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the electoral process in order to avert any fear or loophole.
Meanwhile, police and law enforcement agencies have intensified security planning to maintain law and order before, during, and after the polls.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said, “Despite various challenges, we are getting ready so that we can hold the election as and when the government wants.”
He also said that just as a car runs at full speed in fourth gear, the Election Commission is also moving on in full swing with preparations for the upcoming national election. He made the remarks in response to a question from journalists at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka on Tuesday.
Earlier June 26, CEC paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus after the government earlier this month announced a tentative election timeline. This was the first meeting between the two after the announcement.
When asked whether the possible date or timeframe of the next national election was discussed, the CEC clarified, “There was no discussion on that. However, the Chief Adviser inquired about the preparations, and I assured him that we are working at full speed.”
In reply to another question, he said preparations are being made for the election to be held sometime between February and April next year. The official schedule and date will be announced by the Commission at the appropriate time.
Regarding the government’s stance on the election, Nasir Uddin stated, “The Chief Adviser is very sincere and committed to ensuring a free and fair election. His sincerity is beyond question. We are on the same wavelength in this effort—he is neutral, and so are we.”
It may be mentioned that the Election Commission made progress in finalising the voter list. The deadline for completion was 30 June. EC sources said preparations are also underway for procuring essential election materials. Transparent ballot boxes and lids, photo-based voter lists, ballot papers, indelible ink, various types of seals and stamps, envelopes, paper, pens, candles, and matchboxes are among the necessary supplies. Ballot paper will be printed at the government press after candidates are confirmed, using paper from Karnafuli Paper Mills.
The procurement tenders for these items have concluded, and the evaluation phase is nearly complete. Officials expect to issue work orders by the first week of July.
In parallel, preparations for constructing polling stations are ongoing. The EC has also made significant progress in finalising guidelines for election observers. The deadline for registration applications from new political parties expired on 22 June.
Additional Secretary of the Election Commission KM Ali Newaz said, “We’re close to completing the voter list, and the draft code of conduct for political parties and candidates has been finalised. We’re also working on delimiting parliamentary constituencies and hope to finish that soon. Procurement processes are nearly complete, and we plan to issue work orders in early July. Overall, our groundwork for the election is advancing steadily.”
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Police have officially begun preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
As part of these efforts, the police headquarters has initiated the development of a new training curriculum and a documentary to prepare officers for their role in the electoral process. A formal training programme will soon begin to equip police personnel with the necessary skills to assist the EC in holding a free, fair, and peaceful vote.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said, “We have begun implementing plans to make the police ready for election. Training initiatives will enhance the capacity and efficiency of field-level officers so they can effectively support the Election Commission.”
During the inauguration of Police Week 2025 on April 29, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus underscored the importance of police readiness in ensuring a fair election.
He urged members of police to remain politically neutral and avoid undue influence, especially those working at the grassroots level.
The national election featured prominently in discussions held during the three-day Police Week event. Senior officials deliberated on the challenges facing the police and their expected roles in overcoming them. Following these discussions, the Ministry of Home Affairs instructed the police to begin formal preparations.
On 19 June, an internal meeting led by Additional Inspector General Abu Naser Mohammad Khaled took place to coordinate these efforts. Several senior officers having experience in election duties attended. The meeting focused on how the police can support best the EC in maintaining law and order during the elections. Training for field officers will prioritise securing polling stations, ensuring voter safety, and upholding electoral integrity.
The meeting also decided to form four specialised committees to oversee election security. Additionally, a new training module and documentary are being developed to assist in this process. Initially, superintendents of police (SPs), additional SPs, and officers-in-charge (OCs) will receive training from police headquarters. These officers will then cascade the training to field-level personnel in both district and metropolitan forces.
To further enhance preparedness, mock tests will be conducted as part of the training programme. These simulations will cover everything from ballot box transportation to securing polling stations and voter protection.
Police officials acknowledged past controversies surrounding the last three general elections, particularly the 2018 election, where allegations of ballot-stuffing the night before the polls damaged public confidence.
The IGP has issued strict directives to prevent police involvement in any such activities in future. Officers will be reminded of this in upcoming training sessions.
In addition, turnout in previous elections was notably low, with many voters appearing disinterested in participating. As a response, the police are considering deploying community policing strategies to raise awareness and encourage higher voter turnout.
On June 13, Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus said the next parliamentary election could be held a week ahead of Ramadan in 2026, provided all preparations are completed.
The announcement followed a meeting in London with BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, where the latter suggested holding the election before Ramadan.
Yunus previously said the elections could be held in the first half of April next year.
After the meeting with Tarique, he said the February timeline will depend on progress in reforms and the trials of perpetrators of killings in the July uprising.
