Polls schedule revised: Appeal against returning officers’ decision period shortened, disposal time extended

The Election Commission (EC) has revised the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election, shortening the time for candidates to file appeals against returning officers' decisions by two days, while extending the appeal disposal period by two days.

According to the revised schedule, the period for filing appeals has been changed from 5-11 January to 5-9 January, while the time for disposing of appeals has been extended from 12-18 January to 10-18 January.

The election schedule for the parliamentary polls and the referendum was announced by the chief election commissioner on 11 December.

The revised election schedule was issued through a gazette notification signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on 18 December.

The notification states that, in accordance with Article 11(1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, the Election Commission has amended the notification published in the special issue of the Bangladesh Gazette on 11 December, which announced the election schedule for electing one member of parliament from each constituency to form the National Parliament.

It further said the words and references to "under Article 123 of the Constitution" mentioned in the second and third lines on page 13,305 of the gazette have been omitted.

Additionally, on page 13,305 of the gazette, the previously mentioned dates "5-11 January 2026" for filing appeals against the returning officer's decision during nomination scrutiny have been replaced with "5-9 January 2026".

Similarly, on page 13,306, the dates for disposal of appeals have been amended, replacing "12-18 January 2026" with "10-18 January 2026".

The election and the referendum are scheduled to be held on 12 February. Voting will take place from 7:30am to 4:30pm.