'Key to the nation is in your hands': CA Office says February polls campaign begins today
The campaign for the 2026 National Election officially began today, the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) announced in a message released this morning (2 November).
The announcement from the CAO was accompanied by a short teaser video, in which Captain (retd) Dr Khan Subayel Bin Rafiq, former coordinator of the investigation into the 2009 BDR mutiny killings and a victim of enforced disappearance, called on everyone to take part in what he described as the most important election in Bangladesh's history.
"In February 2026, we will all go to the polls in a festive atmosphere. Through this election, the people of the country will reclaim ownership of their nation," the message states.
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The teaser opens with the then foreign minister AK Abdul Momen in 2022 saying, "When I went to New Delhi, I told the Indian government that Sheikh Hasina must be sustained. Bangladesh will continue to march towards development and will truly become a country free of communalism under her leadership."
Then it goes on to show Captain (retd) Rafiq standing in front of the Parliament building saying, "Leaving behind all those chapters, Bangladesh today stands before the most important election in its history. Because through this election, you must reclaim ownership of your country.
"Election 2026, the key to the nation is in your hands. By casting your vote, decide the kind of Bangladesh you want to see."
The 48-second clip ends with a slogan: "Key to the nation is in your hands".
Contacted regarding the campaign announcement, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told The Business Standard this afternoon that the post was made perhaps as the interim government has officially started their campaign.
"However, this post was not made by the Election Commission. They [the chief adviser's office] will be able to explain this matter better," he said.
The announcement of the election campaign kick-off comes amid ongoing political debates over the referendum issue, following the submission of the National Consensus Commission's report on the July National Charter on 28 October.
The commission had presented its recommendations to the interim government, outlining the process for implementing the charter.
In its proposal, the commission urged the government to issue a July National Charter Implementation Order without delay and subsequently hold a national referendum based on that order.
It also suggested that the referendum be conducted either before the upcoming national polls or on the same day as that election. Political parties have, in the meantime, voiced their opinions on the matter too, with some for it, others with their own proposals. The BNP wants the referendum on the election day, Jamaat wants it before, and the NCP says either would be acceptable.
Yesterday (1 November), Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus directed the chiefs of the three services – the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force – to take all necessary measures to ensure foolproof security and a peaceful environment during the election scheduled for the first half of February.
The three chiefs -- Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan -- held a meeting with the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna yesterday. National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman was also present.
At the meeting, the chiefs of the three forces briefed the chief adviser on the comprehensive preparations being made by the forces for the election.
To maintain law and order during the election, 90,000 army personnel, more than 2,500 naval personnel, and 1,500 air force personnel will be deployed.
Besides, one service company will be stationed in each upazila across the country.
