Election Commission is moving ahead with preparations for 13th parliamentary elections

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is rapidly advancing its preparations to ensure the timely holding of the 13th parliamentary elections. Following an initial declaration by Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the EC has instructed its officials to expedite all essential tasks, aiming for readiness for elections anytime between December 2025 and June 2026.

During a meeting in London on June 13 with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Chief Adviser Yunus also indicated that if preparations, coupled with considerable progress on reforms and justice, are completed in time, the national elections could potentially be held in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, speaking to reporters on June 15, reaffirmed the EC’s commitment, stating, “No matter what the election time may be, the EC has to be ready. We are now focusing on our preparations.” On Saturday, the CEC further asserted that the date for the 13th National Parliament election will be announced on time, along with the unveiling of the election schedule. He acknowledged some level of interaction with the government, stating, “While we are not in continuous communication with the government, interaction is taking place to some extent. The election schedule will also be announced as planned.” He added that the EC has a clear internal work plan, or “roadmap,” outlining timelines for each task since taking charge.

As part of the comprehensive election preparations, the EC is fast-tracking several key activities, including:

• Updating voter lists: This work is nearing its final stage, with the commission aiming to complete it by the June 30 deadline. Election Commission Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz confirmed, “Our voter list work is almost at its final stage.”
• Redrawing constituency boundaries: Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah indicated that the demarcation of parliamentary constituencies might be completed by the end of this week. The EC has received 638 applications for the demarcation of 76 parliamentary constituencies.
• Renovating and repairing polling stations: Preparations for constructing voting centers are currently underway.
• Procuring essential voting equipment: The tender process for procuring necessary goods, such as ballot boxes, voter lists with photos, ballot papers, indelible ink, seals, stamps, and various other supplies, has been completed. The evaluation phase is nearing conclusion, with a work order expected in the first week of July.
• Registering new political parties and domestic observer organizations: The deadline for submitting applications for the registration of new political parties is set to expire on June 22. The EC had initially invited applications on March 10, receiving 65 parties by April 20, before extending the deadline.
• Amending various election laws and regulations: The commission is actively working on necessary legal amendments.
• Recruiting and training election officials: These tasks are progressing rapidly.

Additionally, the commission’s work plan includes dialogue with stakeholders, revisions to various laws and regulations, including the Representation of the People Order (RPO), and updates to multiple election-related manuals and guidelines. EC officials are currently awaiting directives from the Electoral Reforms Commission and the National Consensus Commission.

Last Thursday, the commission granted final approval to the draft of the Political Parties and Candidates Code of Conduct, 2025. This new code prohibits the use of posters in the upcoming parliamentary elections, sets a maximum fine of Tk 1.5 lakh for violations, and introduces new provisions promoting environmentally friendly campaign materials.

Addressing the complexity of the upcoming polls, KM Ali Newaz remarked, “Conducting the national elections is undoubtedly a complex task, but not an impossible one. We must proceed with great care. From that perspective, we are preparing thoroughly to ensure the elections are completed successfully.”