Voting peaceful, festive as Bangladesh holds 'world's largest election' in 2026: CEC

Bangladesh is holding the largest election in the world in 2026, and voting is taking place in a free, fair and peaceful environment, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said this morning (12 February).

He made the remarks after casting his vote at Eskaton Garden High School centre under the Dhaka-8 constituency. Speaking to journalists, he said people were voting in a festive mood similar to Eid. Over the past few days, many people travelled to their villages as they do during Eid, he added.

The CEC said the Election Commission had promised a festive atmosphere and had been preparing for the polls since October 2024.

He said he had been monitoring the situation since morning and that voting across the country was proceeding smoothly. Although there were minor incidents of disorder outside a few centres, he described them as isolated.

Referring to Thakurgaon, the CEC said BNP and Jamaat leaders were seen standing side by side outside a centre and speaking to journalists, calling it the beauty of democracy. He reiterated that Bangladesh is holding the largest election in the world in 2026 and that no bigger election has been held globally this year.

He also said he had spoken with foreign observers yesterday, who were pleased after observing the environment. Around 1.75 million people are working for the election, he added, noting that various forces are involved in what he described as a large-scale operation.