With the 13th parliamentary election only days away, concern has emerged among local authorities in Chattogram over delays in the delivery of ballot papers, a key component of election preparations.
While all other election materials have already reached the constituencies, ballot papers have yet to arrive, increasing pressure on administrators responsible for ensuring a smooth polling process.
Officials at the district administration and election offices confirmed that the printing of centre-wise ballot papers has been completed. However, the transportation and formal handover process remains unfinished.
The delay has also tightened the window for assembling polling centre packages and implementing security measures.
Several administrative officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that any further delay could complicate the execution of subsequent election activities. Particular concern has been expressed over remote and high-risk polling centres, where transporting ballot papers and ensuring their security require additional coordination and time.
Chattogram Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Ziauddin said the ballot printing and distribution process is centrally managed and assured that regular communication is being maintained with the relevant authorities.
“Polling centres have been instructed to remain ready from 7 February,” he said. “We expect to receive the ballot papers on 8 February. On 10 February, these will be sent to assistant returning officers at the upazila level, followed by distribution to city constituencies the next day. All polling centres will receive ballot papers one day before voting.”
Law enforcement agencies have also emphasised heightened security surrounding ballot transportation. Chattogram Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid described the process as highly sensitive and said comprehensive measures were in place.
“We are ensuring maximum security during the transportation and distribution of ballot papers in line with Election Commission guidelines,” he said. “Police forces will be deployed at and around polling centres from the day before voting to maintain law and order.”
Rashid added that police personnel would arrive at polling centres a day in advance, signalling a tougher stance against electoral malpractice.
According to the Chattogram District Election Office, all other election materials—including transparent ballot boxes—have already been delivered to every parliamentary constituency. A total of 45 types of election-related items have been distributed in two phases to assistant returning officers and upazila nirbahi officers in advance.
These materials include indelible ink, ballot box locks, sealing wax, stamp pad ink, envelopes, official seals, marking seals, rechargeable lights, staplers, carbon paper, stationery, hessian bags, and other logistical supplies.
All items, except ballot papers and stamp pads, have been delivered to 26 assistant returning officers (AROs), including 10 serving urban constituencies.
Ballot papers and stamp pads are scheduled to be distributed to polling centres on the morning of the day before voting under the supervision of AROs, with support from law enforcement agencies. The election office confirmed that representatives have already received the remaining materials, with the final batch dispatched last Thursday.
Election campaigning will officially end at 7:30am on 10 February. Voting is scheduled to take place on 12 February from 7:30am to 4:30pm.
A total of 115 candidates from various political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, NCP, and LDP, are contesting the election across Chattogram’s 16 parliamentary constituencies. The city and surrounding districts have seen increased activity as candidates, their families, and supporters campaign ahead of the vote.
To ensure a secure and orderly election, authorities have deployed extensive resources. Chattogram will host polling at 1,965 centres with 12,001 polling booths. Approximately 40,000 polling officials—including presiding officers and polling officers—have been trained for election duties, with training scheduled to conclude on 8 February.
Chattogram has a total voter population of 66.82 lakh 517, comprising 34.83 lakh 877 male voters, 31.98 lakh 570 female voters, and 70 voters of the third gender.
To support law and order during the election period, 71 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the district since last Friday.
