Twin polls in February: The road ahead
Ending months of speculation, the Election Commission has finally scheduled the country's first-ever simultaneous 13th National Parliamentary Election and July Charter referendum for 12 February 2026
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the detailed timeline this evening (11 December), setting 29 December as the deadline for nominations and marking the campaign period from 22 January to 10 February.
The announcement marks a critical turning point for the nation, offering a roadmap out of prolonged uncertainty. From political activists seeking democratic consolidation to business leaders awaiting economic stability, stakeholders across the spectrum view the upcoming twin polls as a decisive test for the country's future trajectory.
While the schedule provides a clear timeline, expectations now rest heavily on a peaceful and credible process to restore confidence and pave the way for effective governance.
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The Business Standard reached out to politicians, business leaders, and political analysts for their immediate reactions to the schedule.
Bangladesh has begun journey towards long-desired democracy
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Secretary General, Bangladesh Nationalist Party
The schedule has proven that Bangladesh has begun its journey towards the long-desired democracy, a democracy for which the people of this country have fought and struggled, risking their lives, for more than a decade and a half.
All pro-democracy parties will take part in the upcoming election. Voting will be held in a peaceful environment, and the election will be neutral and acceptable.
BNP never had any doubts regarding the election. BNP has always maintained that elections are the only path to resolving the crisis. As this formal journey has now begun, we welcome the announced schedule.
Outlook for business will depend on nature of election
Anwar-Ul Alam (Parvez)
President, BCI
Although the election schedule has been announced, many people still remain anxious about whether the polls will actually take place. The people of the country want a peaceful election and hope that a stable government will restore political and economic stability.
However, observing the attitude of the law enforcement agencies — who are responsible for conducting the election — many are concerned about whether the election will indeed be held.
The state of the country's business and investment climate after the election will depend entirely on how the election unfolds. If the election is conducted well, a favourable environment for businesses will emerge. After the election, businesspeople will observe the situation for five to six months before making investment decisions.
The prevailing sense of uncertainty among the business community will largely diminish once the election is over, allowing them to feel somewhat relieved. Overall, the prospect of revitalising business, investment, and the economy after the polls will depend on how acceptable the election is and how far political stability is ensured in the aftermath.
Election Commission must maintain law and order
Altaf Parvez
Political Analyst
I think that after the announcement of the election schedule and until the finalisation of candidates, there may be some minor clashes in the country. But, in fact, the responsibility here lies more with the Election Commission than with the government. And there is another point, during elections in our country, the flow of money in the economy usually increases — this has always been the case.
As a result, we will see that the economic stagnation we have been experiencing will ease before the election, and in the business sector, traders and investors who have been waiting to invest may now reconsider and feel less hesitant. Because if they invest now, everyone is expecting an elected government, and everyone has been waiting for that.
They all want to invest in the context of an elected government, because having an elected government means a secure investment environment, and that is what investors want. But another thing is that we want the Election Commission to be able to maintain law and order in the country.
Credible election fundamental for economic stability
Taskeen Ahmed
President, DCCI
DCCI believes the announcement has certainly reduced immediate uncertainty by providing a clear political roadmap. While this clarity helps businesses plan forward, true investor confidence now depends on the peaceful maintenance of law and order throughout the election period.
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.
A credible election is fundamental for economic stability. It grants legitimacy to the future government, ensuring long-term political stability and governance. This is crucial for retaining global market confidence and attracting sustained Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and ensuring predictable, sustainable economic policies.
Legal foundation for July Charter now established
Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair
Assistant Secretary General, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
The nation had long been waiting for the date and schedule of the national election. There had been a degree of uncertainty and doubt. Today's announcement has put an end to that uncertainty. We welcome this announcement. We hope that, through this, all forms of uncertainty surrounding the election will now be dispelled.
However, to ensure a fair, orderly, and neutral election, the Election Commission must shoulder several heavy responsibilities. The so-called elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024 did not meet the expectations of the nation; instead, they have ruined the country's politics and governance. We do not want to see any such weaknesses or irregularities in the upcoming election that could create anxiety among the public.
Our goal is to win the highest number of seats. We will nominate candidates strategically — wherever a nominee has the highest chance of victory, we shall field them accordingly. It will be possible to share detailed information regarding candidates and alliances within the next week.
The legal foundation for the July National Charter has now been established. However, our campaign and movement will continue to ensure a 'Yes' vote and secure public support for the proposed reforms.
Although EC has good will, have doubts about its capacity
Nasiruddin Patwary
Chief Coordinator, National Citizen Party
Although the Election Commission has good will, we have doubts about its capacity. We are also doubtful about issues of partisan control. Nothing has been done publicly regarding the lottery either.
We do not see sufficient capacity among the law enforcement agencies. From the beginning, we have called for the reconstitution of the EC, but that too has not happened.
We shall remain within the expenditure limits set by the electoral code of conduct. Our female candidates are being harassed online. Although we told the Election Commission to form a monitoring cell, there has been no significant progress.
This election has been announced under the London deal. It would have been better if everyone had sat together and fixed the election date through discussion. Above all, I would say that through this election, Bangladesh will enter a new era.
We want all our comrades to remain with the NCP. But they also have personal freedom to go to any party.
