No discussion held with home ministry on providing arms to candidates before polls: EC secretary

The Election Commission has not held any discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding providing firearms to candidates ahead of the national election, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said today (17 December).

Speaking to journalists at the Nirbachan Bhaban, he said, "Possession of arms by candidates is not against the election code of conduct. However, the commission may amend, add to, or revise the election code of conduct if necessary."

"So far, no formal discussion has taken place with the home ministry. The commission will take decisions considering the law-and-order situation and the overall election environment," he added.

About the home affairs adviser's remarks, the EC secretary said the adviser may have spoken about arms or security arrangements from the perspective of ensuring candidates' safety. "However, there was no prior discussion with us on this issue. Therefore, the adviser would be better placed to explain the details or context."

Asked whether the use of firearms would contradict the election code of conduct, he said no immediate conflict was apparent. "Still, the commission can take a firm stance at any time if the situation demands it."

Responding to concerns that enhanced security arrangements might create fear among voters or candidates, Akhtar said ensuring security is in everyone's interest. "Why should ensuring security create fear?"

On arms control ahead of the election, the EC secretary said it is a routine and ongoing process. "Legal firearms are usually deposited and illegal arms recovered a certain period before polling day. When the matter becomes relevant, the commission will take appropriate measures in accordance with the law."

Govt approves temporary firearm licences for election candidates and important figures

Urging against speculation about the situation a month ahead, he said the commission's current priority is to focus on the present phase and continue taking all necessary steps to ensure a fair and peaceful election environment.

'EU to deploy up to 200 observers for Bangladesh's polls'

The EC secretary informed that the European Union will send 175-200 observers to monitor the upcoming parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter, scheduled to be held on 12 February.

"The EU has confirmed that it will deploy an observer mission in our election…. Some 175-200 EU observers will arrive at different times to observe the polls," he said while briefing reporters.

Ivars Ijabs, a member of the EU Parliament, would lead the EU election observation mission in Bangladesh, he said.

The EC Secretary, however, said he would not be able to provide further details about when they start arriving.

He said the EU observers would come here to watch the election following a tripartite agreement signed among the Election Commission, the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh and the EU on Monday last.

Akhtar Ahmed said the EU observers would follow the local necessity protocols, particularly in the Chittagong hilly area.

He said so far two to three international organisations and countries have confirmed that they would send their observer missions to Bangladesh.

In response to a formal invitation by Bangladesh authorities, the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026. 

The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as its chief observer. 

"I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process," Chief Observer Ijabs said on Tuesday. 

This mission, Ijabs said, is a tangible example of the EU support to the people of Bangladesh and their aspiration for stronger democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights.

The EU said they are supporting the conduct of "free and fair, participatory" elections.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on 11 December announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on 12 February next.

According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers is 29 December, while the scrutiny of nomination papers is on 30 December - 4 January and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is 20 January.

The election campaign will start on 22 January and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on 10 February).