After months of political uncertainty, heightened security preparations and intense campaigning, the country stands on the brink of what many describe as one of the most consequential elections in its history.
The stage is set. From 7:30am to 4:30pm today, voters across the country will cast their ballots in the 13th parliamentary election and a simultaneous referendum — a vote marked by unprecedented expenditure, sweeping security deployment and significant political realignments.
Polling will be held in 299 parliamentary constituencies. A total of 2,028 candidates — representing 50 political parties and independents — are contesting the election. The Awami League, removed from power through the July uprising and currently with its registration suspended, is not participating. Eight other registered parties are also absent.
For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis have been allowed to vote through postal ballots.
Election authorities have described half of the country’s polling centres as “risky”, prompting what officials call the largest security mobilisation in the country’s electoral history. In financial and administrative terms, the vote is widely considered the most expensive ever conducted in Bangladesh.
Young and Awami-leaning voters seen as decisive factors
Political observers say the outcome may hinge largely on two groups: young voters and those traditionally aligned with Awami League.
According to the Election Commission (EC), more than 43.3 million voters — roughly 35% of the electorate — are aged between 18 and 35, defined under the National Youth Policy as youth. Many among them were unable to vote in the past three parliamentary elections, which were widely debated. This will be their first opportunity to cast a ballot in a national election, and turnout among them is expected to be significant.
At the same time, the preferences of Awami League supporters — despite the party’s absence from the ballot — are viewed as crucial. Historical voting patterns illustrate their electoral weight. The party secured 30.08% of votes in 1991, 37.44% in 1996, 40.13% in 2001 and 48.04% in 2008. Analysts suggest that candidates who successfully attract both youth and Awami-leaning voters may gain a decisive advantage.
Campaign strategies across parties have reflected efforts to court these segments.
10.96 lakh voters cast ballots by post
According to EC’s Postal Vote BD website, 15,28,131 voters at home and abroad were approved to cast ballots by post. Ballots were prepared for 15,28,086 voters.
Of them, 10,96,250 voters submitted postal ballots, while 4,31,881 did not cast their votes.
Among those who voted by post, 5,15,619 were expatriates and 5,80,665 voted domestically. So far, 5,07,325 ballots from abroad have reached Bangladesh, with 4,44,436 received by returning officers. Within the country, 4,38,951 postal ballots have been delivered to returning officers.
Unprecedented deployment of 9.58 lakh law enforcement personnel
Security concerns have remained prominent since the July uprising, amid what authorities describe as a deterioration in law and order. In response, nearly 9,58,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed nationwide.
According to EC, the deployment includes 1,03,000 army personnel, 5,000 navy members, 3,500 air force personnel, 37,453 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members, 3,585 Coast Guard members, 1,87,603 police officers, 9,349 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members, and 5,67,868 Ansar personnel.
Additionally, 1,982 Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members will assist in maintaining order at postal ballot counting centres.
Most expensive election in history: Tk 3,150 crore budget
The combined parliamentary election and referendum carry a projected cost of Tk 3,150 crore, making it the most expensive in the nation’s history.
Of this, Tk 1,200 crore has been allocated for law enforcement, a figure EC says could increase. The largest allocation within that category — Tk 544.23 crore — goes to the Ansar force. Police expenditure stands at Tk 270.21 crore. The army has been allocated Tk 148 crore, the navy Tk 23 crore and the air force more than Tk 13 crore.
Another Tk 1,200 crore has been allocated for election administration. Authorities estimate Tk 300–400 crore for postal ballot arrangements. Additionally, government institutions, including EC, have spent hundreds of crores of taka on referendum-related campaigns.
Judicial and executive magistrates
To oversee electoral offences, 657 judicial magistrates have been appointed. They will remain in the field for five days — two days before polling, polling day and two days afterwards.
A further 1,051 executive magistrates will remain on duty until 14 February.
Candidates and voters at a glance
Across 299 constituencies, 2,028 candidates are contesting — 1,755 from political parties and 273 independents. Of them, 83 are women: 63 party nominees and 20 independents.
The country has 12,77,11,793 registered voters. Of them, 6,48,25,361 are men, 6,28,85,200 are women and 1,232 are registered as third gender voters.
Half of polling centres identified as risky
EC has classified 21,506 of the country’s 42,779 polling centres as risky, compared with 21,273 deemed general centres.
Outside metropolitan areas, 16 to 17 law enforcement members will be stationed at general polling centres and 17 to 18 at risky centres. In metropolitan areas, 16 personnel will guard general centres and 17 risky ones. In designated remote districts, 16 to 18 personnel will be deployed per centre.
Polling officials
A total of 7,85,225 election officials will oversee voting. This includes 42,779 presiding officers, 2,47,482 assistant presiding officers and 4,94,964 polling officers.
There are 69 returning officers and 598 assistant returning officers.
Observers and journalists
Observers and journalists from 40 countries and eight international organisations are monitoring the election.
Of them, 57 have been invited by EC and 335 are attending independently. Additionally, 45,995 domestic observers from 80 local organisations will monitor proceedings.
Nearly 9,700 journalists have registered to cover the election, including approximately 156 foreign journalists.
461 breaches of code of conduct, 259 cases filed
Since the election schedule was announced, EC reports 461 violations of the electoral code of conduct. Authorities have filed 259 cases and imposed fines totalling Tk 31,15,490.
Where election commissioners will vote
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin will cast his vote at Eskaton Garden High School between 9:30am and 10:00am, before visiting several centres and returning to EC office.
Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker will vote at Daudpur Putina High School in Rupganj. Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud will vote at Uttara Alor Dhara School. Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah will vote at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College on Bailey Road. Commissioner Tahmida Ahmed will cast her vote at Azimpur Agrani School and College.
