Election in Feb: Schedule to be announced 2 months prior, says CEC

The Election Commission will announce the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election about two months before voting day, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (6 August).

"The commission has already been preparing for the election well in advance. Although holding an election in February presents some challenges, we are progressing steadily," he said while speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon.

He also expressed hope that the chief adviser's letter would arrive soon.

"There will be no gap in readiness. We're working in line with the timeline announced by the chief adviser," he added.

Ending months of speculation, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday, in a televised address marking July Uprising Day, announced that the next parliamentary election will be held in February 2026, before Ramadan.

"On behalf of the interim government, I will send a letter to the chief election commissioner, requesting the EC to arrange the national polls in February," Yunus said. "Starting tomorrow, we begin both mental and institutional readiness. We also want to ensure that expatriate voters can participate in this election."

At the briefing, CEC Nasir also acknowledged the challenges of holding a free and fair election but assured that the commission is preparing for every scenario.

Highlighting the restoration of public confidence as a key challenge, he noted, "People have lost trust. It's not fair to blame the voters. They have lost confidence in the Election Commission and in the entire election process.

"But, law and order is improving, and we expect further progress in the coming months."

He also identified low voter turnout and the potential misuse of artificial intelligence as significant concerns. "We are working to ensure a safe and smooth environment so the election can take place in a festive atmosphere, as the chief adviser envisioned," he added.

In response to a question about gaining the trust of political parties, the CEC said, "I believe that as they observe more of our activities, trust in us will gradually build. Since we are working professionally and neutrally, confidence will naturally return. We do not wish to get involved in political statements. Political leaders may say many things – that's their choice, and we have no objection to that."

Nasir further said the EC is prioritising the creation of a level playing field, but political parties must also cooperate.

"Please don't try to win the election by any means necessary. For the sake of the nation, help us. I want to deliver a beautiful, credible, transparent election – but we can't do it without your cooperation," Nasir urged the political parties.

Using a sports metaphor, he added, "If all the players enter the field intending to foul, how can the referee save the match? How many red cards can one show? So the players also bear a huge responsibility. This is the message I want to send to the political parties."

He stressed that the EC sees the political parties as major stakeholders and is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all.

Preparations for February Polls

On preparations, CEC Nasir said several major preparatory tasks for the election are nearing completion. These include the updating the voter list, the publication of the draft proposal for redrawing parliamentary constituencies, ongoing registration of new political parties, and procurement activities.

He expressed hope that the major preparatory work would be completed by September.

At the press conference, he also instructed EC officials to work neutrally and professionally to establish a level playing field. "Its implementation depends on you," he said. "If you don't support me in this, I can't do it alone."

In response to questions about what the EC means by a "participatory" election, the CEC clarified that both voter turnout and political party participation are important – but the EC is primarily focused on ensuring voters can cast their ballots freely.

"In the past, quite a few political parties took part in the elections. But did the voters turn out? Many political alliances, like the 14-party and 12-party alliances, participated before. But does that make it a participatory election?," he said.

"For us, participatory means enabling widespread voter turnout. We want to make sure voters can vote without fear or obstruction," he added.

In reply to another question, CEC Nasir said the government has banned all political activities of the Awami League, pending legal proceedings.

"We will comment further once the judicial process concludes. But, supporters of the Awami League will be allowed to vote," he said.

However, the CEC did not clarify further.