The Election Commission (EC) is moving forward with preparations to hold the 13th National Parliamentary Election on either February 5 or February 12, 2026, according to The Daily Industry. The constitutional body is also considering the possibility of holding a national referendum on the same day - a move that could significantly cut election costs but is sparking political controversy. Sources within the EC told The Daily Industry that the election schedule (timetable) is likely to be announced on December 4 or 7, depending on the government’s final approval. The decision will mark the start of a crucial election season for Bangladesh - the first under the interim government since the mass political upheaval earlier this year.
Government’s Approval Awaited for Combined Election Plan: The proposal to hold both the parliamentary polls and a national referendum simultaneously will require a green signal from the government, after which the EC will convene a formal meeting to finalize the decision.
However, political parties remain sharply divided on the issue. Some parties support holding both votes on the same day for efficiency, while others argue that it would confuse voters and compromise the integrity of both processes.
The Daily Industry reports that the interim government has left key decisions - including the referendum’s timing, content, and implementation process - to the political parties themselves. This was decided at a meeting of the Advisory Council held on November 3 at the Chief Adviser’s Office. During the meeting, Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul urged political parties - especially those that had long been united in the anti-fascist movement - to reach a consensus quickly:
“The government expects the political parties to hold discussions among themselves and provide a unified direction within a week. That will make it easier for the government to make a decision.”
EC Commissioner: Holding Both Votes Together Saves Billions: Although the EC has not made any official statement yet, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahimel Ma’sud recently hinted at the benefits of organizing the two votes simultaneously. Speaking to The Daily Industry, he said, “I am not speaking as an election commissioner, but as a senior citizen of this country. If the referendum must be held, it would save billions of taka to conduct it on the same day as the parliamentary election.” He added that conducting two massive national exercises separately would be “extremely costly and logistically difficult.” According to Ma’sud, combining the polls would not only reduce expenses but also streamline administrative and security arrangements. “If the government decides in favor of a joint vote, the Election Commission will be ready, Inshallah. Holding both on the same day is possible - we may need to increase polling centers or booths, but it is not impossible. In fact, it may be better,” he said.
Differences Persist Over Timing and Execution of Referendum: Despite growing discussions, political consensus remains elusive. Some parties have proposed holding the referendum a month before the parliamentary polls to avoid voter confusion, while others support a same-day vote to save time and money.
According to political analysts cited by The Daily Industry, the referendum is expected to address constitutional amendments - possibly related to reforms promised in the July Charter, which emphasized democratic restructuring, decentralization, and limits on executive powers. However, the content of the referendum and its legal implications remain undecided, fueling tensions among major political stakeholders. EC’s Preparations in Full Swing: Even as political negotiations continue, the Election Commission is proceeding with all necessary technical and logistical arrangements for the parliamentary polls. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told The Daily Industry that voter registration, polling center lists, and staff training are at advanced stages.”We have finalized the list of polling centers. Across 64 districts and 300 parliamentary constituencies, there will be 42,761 centers. For male voters, 115,137 booths have been designated, and for female voters, 129,602 - totaling 244,649 polling booths.”
The final voter list will be published on November 18, and according to the EC, Bangladesh now has over 127.6 million registered voters. Ahmed confirmed, “The number of voters stands at 12,76,12,384, including new enrollees.”
New Political Parties Registered Ahead of Polls: As part of its pre-election process, the EC has approved registration for three new political parties - the National Citizens Party (NCP), Bangladesh Amjonogon Party, and the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist). The commission will finalize the registration certificates by November 12, after settling objections and claims from other applicants.
Legal and Institutional Reforms Completed: According to The Daily Industry, the EC has already completed all pending electoral law amendments through the RPO Amendment Ordinance. Other key legal reforms include revisions to: The Voter List Act, The Special Provisions Act for Election Officers, The Election Commission Secretariat Act, Guidelines for polling centers, journalists, and domestic and foreign observers. The commission is also finalizing the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, which will be issued soon in light of the amended laws.
First-Time Voting Rights for Expatriate Bangladeshis: In a significant move, the EC has introduced a system for Bangladeshi expatriates to vote via “IT-supported postal ballots.” This initiative will allow citizens living abroad to participate in the parliamentary election for the first time in the country’s history. Election officials estimate that more than one million election workers will be deployed for the parliamentary polls, which are projected to cost around Tk 2,500 crore.
“If both the election and the referendum are held together, it will save enormous public funds and manpower,” an EC official told The Daily Industry. “Otherwise, the same scale of operations would have to be repeated twice within weeks.”Political Divide Over Joint Voting Day: Despite the logistical and financial advantages, several major parties have voiced opposition to holding both votes on the same day. They argue that the referendum - especially if it deals with constitutional issues - deserves separate public attention and debate. A senior leader from one major opposition party said, “Combining a referendum with the parliamentary election will turn a national decision into a side issue. Voters will focus on party politics instead of the referendum’s content.” Others, however, believe the move could enhance voter turnout and strengthen the democratic mandate. Professor Ali Riaz, a political analyst quoted by The Daily Industry, explained, “Given the current political climate, holding both votes together might be the most practical way to ensure participation and stability. But the EC must guarantee transparency and clear voter education to prevent confusion.”
Timeline toward February Polls: If the government gives approval within November, the official election schedule will be declared in early December. The nomination submission, scrutiny, and withdrawal processes are expected to take place throughout December and early January. Voting will likely occur in the first half of February, ahead of the Ramadan fasting month, which begins in early March. The A. M. M. Nasir Uddin-led Election Commission is expected to manage both the logistical and political challenges of this unprecedented dual exercise. A Crucial Test for Bangladesh’s Democracy: As Bangladesh prepares for its 13th general election, the question of whether to hold a referendum alongside the polls reflects both innovation and uncertainty in the country’s evolving democratic journey.
The Election Commission appears technically ready, but political consensus remains the missing piece. As one Daily Industry editorial observed: “Efficient elections are not just about saving money - they are about restoring trust. The success of this February election will depend on whether the process can unite the nation, not divide it.”
