Nat’l polls, referendum on 12 Feb: Businesses relieved as year-long uncertainty lifts

Ending a year of uncertainty, the country now has a firm date for the 13th parliamentary election and the July National Charter referendum, raising hopes for economic stability and business confidence. 

The election and the referendum will be held on 12 February 2026, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced in a pre-recorded address to the nation at 6pm yesterday.

In their immediate reactions, business leaders expressed hope for more effectively, boosting the economy, investment, and employment.  Political parties welcomed the announcement. 

The CEC said voting will begin at 7:30am and end at 4:30pm. He said 29 December is the deadline for submitting nominations, with scrutiny of nominations scheduled from 30 December to 4 January 2026.

The deadline for filing appeals against returning officers' decisions is 11 January. Appeals submitted to the commission will be resolved between 12 and 18 January, Nasir Uddin added. 

The CEC urged the voters to cast their votes in the national election and the referendum without any hesitation, rising above fears and limitations.

"Voting is not only your civic right but also a sacred trust and responsibility. I believe you will consciously carry out this responsibility. Exercise your right to vote without hesitation, rising above any fear, temptation, deception and limitations," he added.

The last date for withdrawing candidacy is 20 January, with the final list of candidates and allocation of election symbols to be published the following day. Campaigning will run from 22 January to 10 February.

A total of 12.76 crore voters will have the opportunity to vote in more than 42,000 polling stations under the country's 300 constituencies in the upcoming general election.

The path to the election has been marked by uncertainty over timing, political consensus and the democratic transition following the mass uprising that toppled the Awami League on 5 August 2024.

The BNP pressed for a quicker schedule, warning delays risked instability, and called for the referendum to be on the same day as the national election. Jamaat‑e‑Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) demanded the election be held later after implementing reforms.

On 13 November, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced both votes would be held simultaneously in February 2026. Jamaat, NCP and allies criticised the decision but ultimately accepted it, beginning candidate announcements, campaigns, and alliances.

Meanwhile, shifting alliances and new parties also began to reshape the political landscape after the government barred the Awami League from contesting.

BNP's internal struggles, including Khaleda Zia's ill health and Tarique Rahman's absence, have created opportunities for Jamaat and other Islamist parties to some extent. The NCP, though new, is expected to compete strongly, having led the July uprising, and has announced candidates in 125 constituencies.

Schedule ends uncertainty: Hatem

In an immediate reaction, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said the announcement has cleared the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming polls. He told The Business Standard that holding the election is "essential for economic stability and a predictable business environment".

"When we speak with foreign investors or buyers about doing business in Bangladesh, the first thing they ask is that the election must take place first. We have also tried to discuss policy matters with the current government at various times, but it appears that they are not keen on engaging with the business community on policy issues," he added.

Hatem said an elected government can make policy decisions more effectively, taking into account the country's socio-economic realities. "Such a government values stakeholders' input, which is now lacking, contributing to stagnant economic activity and investment."

He added, "Once an elected government is in place, this situation will improve. They will implement policy measures to boost the economy, investment, and employment."

The BKMEA chief also highlighted concerns regarding the country's LDC graduation and the post-graduation phase. "The current government is not taking any decisions on these issues. We hope a political government will provide clear guidelines. Political parties should also present short-, medium-, and long-term plans."

The public should know what a party intends to do in the first year, within two years, and over the next three years, he said. "After forming the government, they should act according to their promises."

Confidence hinges on peaceful polls: Taskeen

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed told TBS that the announcement has eased immediate uncertainty by offering a clear political direction.

"While this clarity helps businesses plan ahead, true investor confidence now depends on the peaceful maintenance of law and order throughout the election period," he said.

He added, "Our primary expectation from the administration is to prioritise holding a free, fair, and credible election while maintaining strict law and order to prevent supply chain disruptions."

"The administration must ensure the safety of industrial zones and guarantee that essential economic services, particularly banking, customs, and ports, function smoothly without political interference, along with assurances from all parties to maintain peace throughout the election period."

Emphasising the broader economic implications, the DCCI president noted, "A credible election is fundamental for economic stability. It grants legitimacy to the future government, ensuring long-term political stability and effective governance.

"This is crucial for retaining global market confidence, attracting sustained Foreign Direct Investment [FDI], and ensuring predictable, sustainable economic policies."

BNP, Jamaat, NCP welcome schedule 

Following the schedule announcement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told The Business Standard the announced schedule is a new chapter in Bangladesh's political arena. 

He added that voting will be held in a peaceful environment, and that the election will be impartial and acceptable. He also said the BNP has never had any doubts regarding the election. 

Jamaat's media chief Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer told a press briefing that the long-awaited announcement had eased doubts about whether the election would occur. He said establishing a level playing field must now be the Commission's priority, arguing the election cannot be meaningful without it.

NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said the polls would mark the start of a new era, adding that fears and uncertainties had now lifted. 

However, he alleged the announcement had come "in the London deal" and said it would have been better if all parties had agreed the date together. He also questioned the Commission's capacity, expressing concerns about political influence.